Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki on Monday, May 16 announced that he would be quitting active politics after the August 9 General Election.
Speaking during a press conference at a Nairobi hotel, the Senator stated that he would not defend his seat or vie for any political position in this General Election but would continue to campaign for Deputy President William Ruto.
The former Senate Deputy Speaker added that he would also decline any political appointments - although he indicated his willingness to serve the country in the future.
"I have decided to take a break from active politics starting August 10. After soul-searching, I have decided to remain in UDA and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. I have pledged my total commitment to support Kenya Kwanza running mate Rigathi Gachagua and our party leader DP William Ruto.
"I will continue to play my role in the campaign and subordinate myself to the leadership of the party including my competitor, who is now the deputy president-designate," Kindiki remarked.
He explained that his decision to stay was influenced by his faith in the Kenya Kwanza team - noting that he would rather fail to score for a winning team than get a score in the losing team.
His decision came after he lost the running mate race to Gachagua in chaotic negotiations held at Ruto's office. The Senator had at some point stormed out of the residence over differences in the process.
While announcing his running mate on Sunday, May 15, the DP lauded the Kindiki for his efforts in making it to the top two contenders for the prime slot.
"I want to very sincerely thank my lawyer, my friend Prof Abraham Kithure Kindiki who became the runners up in this contest. He is a forthright Kenyan, a Kenyan of great standard, a lawyer per excellence and the man who defeated that fellow called Ocampo," the Kenya Kwanza candidate stated.
Sources privy to the matter had disclosed to Kenyans.co.ke that the lawyer had garnered more points than Gachagua, which led to a standoff at DP's residence on Saturday, May 14.
Kindiki, a professor of law, was the legal brains behind the Kenya Kwanza coalition agreement. The document that leaked to the public revealed the share in government as well positions offered to its principals.
Upon victory in the August poll, the ANC party leader would be appointed Prime Cabinet Secretary and will be deputized by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua. Wetangula would assume the role of the Speaker of the National Assembly while Governor Amasaon Kingi will chair debates in the senate.
Other perks offered to the leaders include development projects in the region. Notably, the leaders will have to deliver a certain threshold of votes to the Ruto camp.
