Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed why, as the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior, he made frequent visits to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) headquarters, a move that was recently disclosed following his appointment as Deputy Party Leader. Kindiki, who played a significant role in UDA’s leadership and the 2022 presidential election, clarified that his bi-monthly visits to the party headquarters were part of a coordinated effort to maintain both security and administrative integrity at the party’s offices. This habit, he emphasized, was conducted with the blessing of the party leadership, and his visits served multiple functions related to both his role as Interior CS and his responsibilities as President William Ruto’s chief election agent.
Security for the Party Leader
Speaking at the UDA offices on Monday, Kindiki shared that his primary reason for visiting the UDA headquarters every two weeks was to ensure the premises remained secure, particularly due to its use by President Ruto, who serves as UDA’s leader. “I have been coming here, of course, with the permission of the party leadership, but in a discrete manner for two reasons,” he explained. “As the interior minister, it was essential for me to confirm that this place was secure because the head of state uses this facility. Therefore, I needed to periodically verify that this facility is secure for the Commander-in-Chief.”
This statement underscores Kindiki’s commitment to his dual responsibility to the security of the head of state and to the security of a party facility that serves as a base for significant political activities. Given the nature of his role, his discrete visits allowed him to evaluate security measures firsthand, helping ensure that any potential threats could be identified and mitigated promptly. This vigilance was in line with his duties as Interior CS, a role that inherently includes overseeing the safety of key government officials and facilities.
Administrative Oversight in UDA’s Transitional Period
The second purpose of Kindiki’s visits was rooted in his responsibilities as the chief agent of the President. Appointed in this role during the 2022 presidential election, Kindiki maintained a unique responsibility at the UDA offices: he needed to ensure that all documentation, electoral files, and other vital records remained intact and unaltered. He stated, “I used to come here as a chief agent of the President to make sure the paperwork is still there. Nobody has interfered in the files, and our liaison with the registrar of political parties is still okay.” This role involved regular, albeit limited, monitoring to ensure that UDA’s essential administrative functions and party records were well-maintained.
The responsibilities Kindiki undertook reflect his commitment to transparency and continuity, even after the conclusion of the 2022 elections. He compared his role to that of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which continues to exist between election cycles to ensure readiness and reliability. For Kindiki, it was “good manners and good practice” to have the chief agent present at the headquarters until a new chief agent is appointed for the next election cycle, ensuring a smooth transition and safeguarding the legitimacy of the records and procedures used during the previous election.
Future Plans and Leadership Transition
Kindiki also hinted at future plans regarding his role within UDA. Now, as the Deputy Party Leader, he is set to transition from his prior duties as chief agent. However, he remains in close consultation with the party leadership to determine the appropriate protocol for handing over these responsibilities to the next individual, once appointed. This continued liaison reflects his commitment to upholding the principles of continuity and order within the party.
The former Interior CS’s explanation clarifies the necessity of his visits, providing a transparent perspective on his actions and motivations. By consistently monitoring security and administrative records, Kindiki not only fulfilled his immediate responsibilities but also helped reinforce the stability and reliability of UDA’s headquarters as a vital political hub. His work serves as a reminder of the significance of structured oversight within party operations, especially in maintaining the integrity of processes and safeguarding the party leader’s safety.
In conclusion, Kindiki’s bi-monthly visits to the UDA offices illustrate a blend of security diligence, administrative accountability, and responsible party leadership. His approach reinforces the party’s stability and operational continuity, showcasing the importance of thorough oversight in both security and records management for a party that remains a key pillar in Kenya’s political landscape.
