Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and President William Ruto.
Deputy President-elect Kithure Kindiki was the centre of focus during Mashujaa Day as he played key roles traditionally reserved for the president’s principal assistant.
From receiving the President at Kwale stadium, sitting arrangement to protocols, everything seemed to reflect the ex-interior boss escalated position.
Kindiki was nominated Deputy President to replace besieged Rigathi Gachagua but the High Court temporarily suspended his swearing-in.
Yesterday, the Interior boss was wielding power and performing some key functions that only the holder of the office of the Deputy President is mandated to do.
It started in the morning when Kindiki led top government officials in receiving the Head of State at the Kwale county commissioner’s residence.
Kindiki was joined by other leaders, including Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Governor Fatuma Achani. Ordinarily, the President is received by the Deputy President when he arrives for such state functions.
In confirmation of his elevated position in government, Kindiki sat next to President William Ruto with First Lady Rachael Ruto in between them. The seat is always the preserve of the President’s principal assistant.
Sitting on his left were other members of the executive, including Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi and Speakers Moses Wetang’ula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate).
Kindiki did not make an address, but speakers during the celebration, including Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, referred to the Interior boss as the ‘Deputy President-elect’.
Kindiki also arrived at the Kwale Stadium with enhanced security detail, which formed a ring around him. The country was marking its 61st Mashujaa celebrations, the first Ruto has had without his deputy Gachagua.
The day is a tribute to those who significantly contributed to Kenya’s struggle for independence from colonial rule. It is a day to honour and celebrate the bravery and sacrifices of the Kenyan people who fought for their freedom.
It was also the first time Kwale County was hosting the event, which it held in the newly built 10,200-seater Kwale Stadium.
During the ceremony, 142 heroes were recognised across 14 categories, including sports, philanthropy, statesmanship and indigenous cultures. Some of the heroes will receive posthumous recognition after a thorough vetting process.
