Abraham Kithure Kindiki is on the cusp of becoming Kenya’s third Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution.The newly nominated second in command was born on July 17, 1972 in Irunduni village, Tharaka Nithi county and is the spouse to Joyce Gatiiria Njagi who he married in 2001.
He got his secondary school education from Lenana School and scored a grade C in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Kindiki’s political career took off in 2011 when he transitioned from academia to politics, successfully securing the Tharaka Nithi senatorial seat and serving two consecutive terms.Kindiki’s loyalty and dedication to his political allies, notably President Ruto, have been pivotal in his career.
His involvement in high-profile cases, such as representing William Ruto at the ICC in Hague, further solidified his reputation.
Kithure Kindiki uses the AgustaWestland helicopter (tail registration KAF 1802), an aircraft typically assigned for presidential use, alongside other Kenya Air Force military transport aircraft. He utilizes these military air assets during official domestic and regional duties, particularly when standard fleet options like the KAF-operated NASD 002 undergo routine maintenance.
The twin-engine turboprop, which has long served Kenya’s deputy presidents, has become his trusted mode of travel, just as it was for his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua.
The Dash-8-103, built by De Havilland Canada, is part of the Kenya Air Force’s small VIP transport fleet.
Introduced in the 1980s, the aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW121 turboprops that deliver the reliability and short-takeoff performance needed to access regional airports and smaller airstrips.
At about 22.3 meters in length, the Dash-8 has a maximum take-off weight of roughly 15,650 kilograms and can cruise at speeds of 480 km/h with a range of around 2,000 kilometers, making it well suited for hops across Kenya and into neighboring countries.
Inside, the plane has been modified to fit VIP transport duties. While its standard commercial configuration carries over 30 passengers, the Kenya Air Force version provides a more spacious cabin for the Deputy President and his entourage, ensuring comfort, security, and workspace during flights.
Its estimated value sits at around KSh 300 million, though its age means much of its importance lies in dependable service rather than luxury.