The Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya (Swahili: Naibu Rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya) is the primary assistant to the President. Prior to the 2010 Constitution, the role was known as the Vice President, appointed and dismissed at the President’s discretion. The 2010 Constitution reformed this, mandating that the running mate of the presidential candidate becomes the Deputy President-elect upon their candidate’s victory, thereby preventing the arbitrary dismissal by the President.
Historical Context
From 1964 to 1998, the role of the Vice President was significant yet secondary, often held concurrently with a Cabinet Minister position. The position saw a vacancy from January 8, 1998, to April 3, 1999. Notably, three Vice/Deputy Presidents, Mwai Kibaki, Daniel arap Moi, and William Ruto, ascended to the presidency. Ruto served briefly as acting president during Uhuru Kenyatta’s appearance before the International Criminal Court.
Qualifications and Election
The 2010 Constitution specifies that the Deputy President must be the running mate of a presidential candidate and must qualify to be nominated as President. Upon election, the Deputy President serves from the date of swearing-in until the next President-elect is sworn in, or in cases of resignation, death, or removal from office.
Responsibilities
The Deputy President’s responsibilities include:
- Acting as the President’s principal assistant.
- Deputizing for the President in various duties.
- Acting as President when the President is absent or incapacitated.
- Coordinating the implementation of government policies and legislative agenda.
- Performing other duties assigned by the Constitution or the President.
List of Officeholders
Vice Presidents of Kenya (1964–2013):
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (1911–1994)
Term: Dec 12, 1964 – Apr 14, 1966
Party: KANU
Joseph Murumbi (1911–1990)
Term: May 3, 1966 – Aug 31, 1966
Party: KANU
Daniel arap Moi (1924–2020)
Term: Jan 5, 1967 – Aug 22, 1978
Party: KANU
Mwai Kibaki (1931–2022)
Term: Oct 14, 1978 – Mar 24, 1988
Party: KANU
Josephat Karanja (1931–1994)
Term: Mar 24, 1988 – May 1, 1989
Party: KANU
George Saitoti (1945–2012)
Term: May 1, 1989 – Jan 8, 1998, Apr 3, 1999 – Aug 30, 2002
Party: KANU
Musalia Mudavadi (born 1960)
Term: Nov 4, 2002 – Jan 3, 2003
Party: KANU
Michael Kijana Wamalwa (1944–2003)
Term: Jan 3, 2003 – Aug 23, 2003
Party: NARC
Moody Awori (born 1928)
Term: Sep 25, 2003 – Jan 9, 2008
Party: NARC/PNU
Kalonzo Musyoka (born 1953)
Term: Jan 9, 2008 – Apr 9, 2013
Party: ODM–K
Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya (2013–Present):
William Ruto (born 1966)
Term: Apr 9, 2013 – Sep 13, 2022
Party: Jubilee
Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua (born 1965)
Term: Sep 13, 2022 – Present
Party: United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
The role of the Deputy President in Kenya is crucial for ensuring continuity, stability, and effective governance. The evolution of this office reflects the country’s efforts to strengthen democratic processes and governance structures.
