Kithure Kindiki: Education, ICC Journey with Ruto, Net Worth, and Family Life

 

Abraham Kithure Kindiki stands out as a prominent Kenyan politician and legal scholar, contributing significantly to both academia and politics.

With nearly three decades of distinguished service, Kindiki has held various elective, academic, and government positions, shaping Kenya’s legal landscape and political discourse.

Following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto nominated Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President on October 18.

Kithure Kindiki's Early Life & Education

Born on January 16, 1972, in Tharaka, Kithure Kindiki grew up in a family of eight, including four brothers and four sisters. He began his education in Tharaka before transferring to Lenana School.

In 1998, he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Moi University. Two years later, he obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Human Rights Law and Democracy from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

In 2001, he attended the Kenya School of Law, where he completed the Advocates' Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies, a requirement for becoming an advocate in Kenya.

He furthered his education by obtaining a PhD in International Law from the University of Pretoria in 2002.

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Kithure Kindiki's Teaching Career

After earning his Master's degree, Kindiki began his teaching career as a law lecturer at Moi University in Eldoret, spending three years nurturing future legal professionals.

He then moved to the University of Nairobi, dedicating a decade to honing his expertise and advancing through various academic ranks to become an associate professor. 

During this time, he also served in administrative roles, including Head of the Public Law Department from 2005 to 2007 and Associate Dean at the Faculty of Law from 2007 to 2010.

Kindiki's scholarly pursuits extended internationally, where he served as a visiting lecturer at prestigious institutions such as the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and the Central European University in Budapest.

In 2008, Kindiki took on a public service role when President Mwai Kibaki appointed him as Secretary of the National Cohesion Commission, though he resigned just three months later.

Kithure Kindiki's Political Career

Kindiki's political journey began in 2013, when he was elected as the Senator for Tharaka Nithi County. 

He served as Senate Majority Leader and was re-elected in 2017, taking on the role of Deputy Senate Speaker until a vote of no confidence led to his removal in May 2020, initiated by his then-party, Jubilee.

He emerged as a top contender for William Ruto’s running mate in the presidential campaign, but the position ultimately went to Rigathi Gachagua. Instead, he received an appointment as the Minister of the Interior.

After his dismissal from the cabinet on July 11, 2024, he regained his position as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Administration of National Government on July 19, 2024. 

Finally, on October 18, President William Ruto nominated Kindiki as the new Deputy President.

Kithure Kindiki's Siblings Who Are All Scholars

Kithure Kindiki comes from a family of scholars, with five of his siblings serving as professors and four others pursuing doctoral degrees.

 His siblings include:

• Jonah Nyagah Kindiki: Professor of International Education and Policy at Moi University

• Moses Mpuria Kindiki: Professor of Political Economy at Maasai Mara University

• Stephen Kithinji Kindiki: Professor of Linguistics at Daystar University

• Isaiah Kindiki: Professor of Soil Physics

• Ruth Kindiki: Professional Community Worker

• Sarah Kindiki: Microbiologist at Masinde Muliro University

• Margaret Kindiki: PhD candidate in Parasitology

• Mary Kindiki: Food Technologist

Kithure Kindiki's Net Worth

In August 2024, Kithure Kindiki reported a substantial increase in his net worth from Sh544 million to Sh694 million, marking a growth of about 28%. 

He explained that his financial success resulted from the effective performance of his law firm, savings, and other assets, including vehicles valued at Sh17 million.

Kindiki owns two homes, one in Nairobi and another in Tharaka, valued at Sh190 million. Additionally, he possesses parcels of land and buildings worth Sh235 million.

Kithure Kindiki's Achievements

Kindiki has made significant strides in his career as a licensed counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. 

He has practiced law for over 22 years, gaining recognition as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

He has also engaged in consultancy work for various organizations, including COMESA, IGAD, and the African Union (AU), and has published 32 works.

Controversies Surrounding Kithure Kindiki

Kindiki's career has not been without controversy, including:

ICC Representation: He first gained public attention in 2011 when he represented President William Ruto at the ICC.

Removal from Deputy Speaker Position: In May 2020, he lost his position as Deputy Speaker of the Senate due to accusations of violating various laws and disrespecting the President by failing to attend a State House meeting.

Discrimination Lawsuit: In October 2021, a court ordered a law firm linked to Kindiki to pay KSh 2.2 million to an advocate who was dismissed for being pregnant. The court ruled this dismissal violated the advocate’s rights, describing Kindiki’s conduct as egregious.

Disagreement with Gachagua: In June 2024, Kindiki publicly criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for pursuing sectarian interests while holding a national office.

Kithure Kindiki's Wife & Children

Kithure Kindiki married Joyce Gatiiria Njagi in 2001, and together they have three children.