Abraham Kithure Kindiki is a prominent Kenyan politician and legal scholar known for his contributions to both academia and politics. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Kindiki has held various elective, academic and government positions, shaping Kenya’s legal landscape and political discourse.
Professor Kindiki is the immediate former Senator for Tharaka-Nithi County and the current Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration in Kenya.
Early Life and Education
Kithure Kindiki was born on January 16, 1972 in Tharaka, in what was formerly known as Meru South District and now Tharaka Nithi County. His early education journey began in Tharaka before he furthered his studies at Lenana School.
Driven by a passion for law, Kindiki pursued his undergraduate studies at Moi University, where he immersed himself in the field of law.
Following his undergraduate studies, he continued to hone his legal expertise by enrolling at the Kenya School of Law, where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in law.
Seeking to deepen his understanding of legal principles, Kindiki embarked on an academic journey that took him to the University of Pretoria, where he earned a Master of Law degree in the year 2000.
Undeterred by the rigors of academia, in 2002, he successfully completed his Ph.D. in International Law from the same esteemed institution, solidifying his stature as a legal scholar.
Career
Throughout his illustrious career, Kithure Kindiki has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academia, legal practice and public service.
Lecturer of Law, Moi University: After his Masters Degree, Kindiki took up a teaching job at Moi University in Eldoret, where he dedicated three years to shaping the minds of future legal professionals.
Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi: Kindiki then transitioned to the University of Nairobi, where he spent a decade honing his expertise. He advanced through various academic ranks, from graduate assistant to tutorial fellow, senior lecturer and ultimately, associate professor.
Administrator, University of Nairobi: In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he undertook administrative roles within the university, serving as the Head of the Department of the Public Law Department from 2005 to 2007. He was later promoted to Associate Dean at the Faculty of Law from 2007 to 2010.
Lecturer, Brazil and Budapest: Kindiki’s scholarly pursuits extended beyond Kenya’s borders, as he shared his knowledge as a visiting lecturer at prestigious institutions such as the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and the Central European University in Budapest.
Secretary, National Cohesion Commission: Kindiki’s dedication to public service led him to briefly step away from academia when he was appointed by President Mwai Kibaki to this key commission. However, he resigned from the position three months later, citing political goodwill to address the huge challenges facing the country at the time, including the resettlement of IDPs.
Licensed Counsel, ICC: Professor Kindiki has practiced law for 22 years, earning recognition as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He is also among the few advocates licensed to practice law at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Senator, Tharaka Nithi: In the political arena, Professor Kindiki was the Tharaka Nithi County Senator from 2013 to 2017, during which he also held the esteemed position of Senate Majority Leader. His re-election in 2017 saw him assume the role of Deputy Senate Speaker until his removal in May 2020, following a vote of no confidence sponsored by his Party (Jubilee).
Legal Consultant: For several years, Kindiki has also engaged in consultancy work for various organizations, including COMESA, IGAD, AU and NGOs. He also boasts 32 publications to his name.
CS Interior: After consultations with William Ruto, Professor Kindiki decided not to seek political office in 2022. Following the Kenya Kwanza victory in the presidential polls, he was appointed the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, a position he holds to date.
Achievements
Kithure Kindiki’s contributions to Kenya’s legal and political landscape have been significant. Some of his notable achievements include:
1. Academic Excellence: Kithure Kindiki’s academic journey stands as a testament to his dedication and scholarly prowess. Additionally, his tenure as a Lecturer of Law at Moi University and later at the University of Nairobi showcased his commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Rising through the academic ranks from a graduate assistant to an associate professor, he demonstrated leadership within the academic sphere.
2. Crime Rate Reduction: Under Kindiki’s leadership as Interior CS, Kenya recorded a decrease in crime by up to 13.5% within the first 100 days of his tenure. His commitment to tackling audacious rustlers and bandits has significantly improved security in affected areas.
3. Disruption of Banditry Networks: Within the first 100 days, Kindiki’s Interior Ministry effectively disrupted banditry networks. Despite facing challenges and opposition, Kindiki’s unwavering resolve has led to enhanced security and stability in regions previously plagued by banditry.
4. Police Leadership Academy: Kithure Kindiki spearheaded the establishment of the Police Leadership Academy, which plays a crucial role in professionalizing Kenya’s security agencies. This initiative aims to enhance leadership skills and improve the overall effectiveness of law enforcement in the country.
5. Infrastructure Development in Security: Kindiki accelerated the construction of essential healthcare facilities, including the National Police Hospital in Mbagathi, the Kenya Prisons Hospital in Ruiru, and the equipment of the Border Police Hospital in Kitui. These developments contribute to the welfare of security personnel and enhance the healthcare infrastructure in Kenya.
6. Immigration Reforms: Kindiki’s tenure has seen significant reforms in the immigration department, aimed at enhancing service delivery, eradicating corruption and streamlining the processing of identification documents and passports.
Family Life
Parents: Born into humble beginnings in Tharaka Nithi County, Kithure’s father, Mr. Daniel Kindiki, overcame adversity to become a Reverend, having sought solace and purpose in Seikuru, Kitui County.
Religion: Raised in a deeply Christian environment, Kithure and his siblings inherited a solid foundation anchored in faith. Their father’s journey from farm laborer to Reverend underscores the family’s commitment to service and spiritual values.
Siblings: The academic achievements within the Kindiki household are remarkable, with five siblings being Professors and four others pursuing doctoral degrees.
- Jonah Nyagah Kindiki, a professor in International Education and Policy at Moi University.
- Moses Mpuria Kindiki, a professor in political economy at Maasai Mara University.
- Stephen Kithinji Kindiki, a professor of linguistics at Daystar University.
- Isaiah Kindiki, a professor of soil physics.
- Ruth Kindiki, a professional community worker.
- Sarah Kindiki, a microbiologist at Masinde Muliro University.
- Margaret Kindiki, a PhD candidate in parasitology.
- Mary Kindiki, a food technologist.
Marriage: Professor Kithure Kindiki married Dr. Joyce Gatiiria Njagi in a colorful ceremony held in the year 2001. Together, the couple is blessed with three children.
Wealth
Net Worth: During his vetting for the Interior CS position by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments in October 2022, Professor Kithure Kindiki disclosed that his net worth was Ksh 544 million.
Main Assets: Kindiki’s assets primarily consist of valuable land and buildings valued at Ksh 165 million, alongside substantial bank deposits totaling Ksh 50 million.
Bank and Sacco Shares: Additionally, Professor Kindiki holds investments in shares and deposits across five different Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (Saccos).
Wealth Sources: Kindiki’s sources of income include services rendered as an Advocate of the High Court, returns from businesses and SMEs owned, and consultancy services provided to local and international organizations.
Controversies
Kithure Kindiki’s career has not been without controversy, as he has been involved in various professional and political conflicts. Below are the most notable ones:
Representation at the ICC: Kindiki first gained public attention in 2011 when he represented President William Ruto as one of his lawyers at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ruto, alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta, was charged with orchestrating the post-electoral violence in 2007 that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.
Removal from Deputy Speaker Position: In May 2020, Kindiki was voted out from his position as Senate Deputy Speaker. The Senate voted 54-7 to remove him, with accusations of violating the Political Parties Act, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Jubilee Party Constitution. Additionally, he was accused of disrespecting the President by refusing to attend a State House meeting on May 11, 2020, despite being invited.
Discrimination Lawsuit: In October 2021, a labor court ordered a law firm associated with Kithure Kindiki to pay Sh2.2 million to an advocate it had sacked ‘for being pregnant’. Justice Nduma Nderi of the Employment and Labor Relations Court ruled that the dismissal violated the advocate’s constitutional right not to be discriminated against due to pregnancy, and described Kindiki’s conduct as egregious.
Disagreement with Deputy President Gachagua: In June 2024, Kindiki publicly criticized his boss, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kindiki publicly stated that Gachagua was “out of order” for pursuing ‘sectarian’ Mt. Kenya unity interests while holding a national office. This criticism highlighted tensions within the Kenya Kwanza government, and an existing rift between Kindiki and Gachagua.
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