Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki received additional security on Friday in anticipation of his upcoming swearing-in as Deputy President.
Previously, as the Interior CS, he was afforded the protection of approximately 12 police officers.
However, his security detail was significantly enhanced with the addition of personnel from the Presidential Guard, responsible for safeguarding the president and his family.
Reports indicate that up to 50 additional officers have been assigned to secure his residences in Nairobi and Tharaka Nithi.
Kindiki is also set to assume the official residence in Karen, following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua from the Deputy President position.
His day will commence with a visit to Harambee House, where he will formally transfer the interior portfolio to the acting Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, around 9 am, before proceeding to the location of his swearing-in ceremony.
In preparation for this transition of power, security measures have been heightened in various areas of Nairobi.
This will facilitate Kindiki’s swearing-in as the new Deputy President on November 1, 2024, succeeding Gachagua, who was removed from office amid a contentious political struggle.
Security officials have confirmed that all arrangements are in place and expressed hope that the event will proceed in accordance with legal protocols.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where attendees will undergo screening by security personnel to ensure overall safety.
Government officials and ambassadors have been invited to the occasion.
Additional police personnel were assigned to specific streets in Nairobi as a demonstration of authority and to prevent any potential criminal activities.
Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau presided over a meeting of the Assumption of the Office of Deputy President Committee, which also comprises members from the Assumption of the Office of President Committee, to organize the upcoming event.
She subsequently announced that the event is scheduled to be held at the KICC.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy President-designate shall take place on Friday, 1st November 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (K.I.C.C.) in Nairobi City County, from 10 am,” reads a gazette notice issued by Wanjau.
The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, announced the members of the committee responsible for the Assumption to Office of the Deputy President, which will facilitate the swearing-in ceremony for Kindiki.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has officially declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a public holiday.
Mudavadi confirmed that this date has been designated for the inauguration of Deputy President-designate Prof. Kithuri Kindiki.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, and sections 3 (b) and 12 (3) of the Assumption of Office of President Act, declares Friday, the 1st November, 2024, to be a public holiday, being the date of the swearing-in of the Deputy President-designate,” Mudavadi stated in the gazette notice.
President Ruto appointed Mudavadi as the acting Cabinet Secretary for the Interior in light of the recent court developments, which resulted in Gachagua’s defeat.
