Kindiki, Kiunjuri Stand Tall To Succeed Embattled Gachagua

Kindiki, Kiunjuri Stand Tall To Succeed Embattled Gachagua

With the removal of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on the horizon, the Mt Kenya region has seen a surge in competition for his successor.

If Parliament removes Gachagua, who is known for his strident, abrasive, and divisive style, President William Ruto will have to strike a delicate balance in selecting his next deputy.

Big-name political figures from Mt Kenya East and West are currently conducting strategic maneuvers behind the scenes to position themselves favorably as the debate over the DP’s future heats up.

MPs are currently considering an impeachment motion that threatens to cut short the career of the self-proclaimed “truthful man” who threatens to spill the beans and inform the public what really is going on in the government.

“The train has left the station, the horses have bolted and unless the President himself has mercy on Gachagua, his proverbial goose is very much cooked,” political analyst Mark Bichachi said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East MP), and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro are among those mentioned as possible replacements for Gachagua.

Alice Wahome, the Lands Cabinet Secretary, has also been a topic of discussion.

Should Ruto decide to look beyond Mt Kenya, pundits suggest Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Environment Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

According to sources, the race’s participants have held a series of secret meetings with their allies to strategize.

The most recent one occurred Wednesday evening at a hotel on the outskirts of Nairobi, following a similar session on Tuesday.

“We are almost certain that the man is going. It is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘who’,” a politician from the region said.

He requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi avoided commenting on the meetings, stating that the “mountain is united.”

Kindiki, widely regarded as the frontrunner, has received a slew of endorsements from Mt Kenya leaders, who have demanded that he be elevated as the region’s liaison with the government.

Kindiki, who narrowly lost to Rigathi in Ruto’s running mate race in 2022, sees Gachagua’s exit as a ‘dream come true’.

He is viewed as competent and business-like, with no desire for power or position.

Some of the leaders who spoke with the Star argued that because he was initially selected as the running mate, he is best suited to fill the position.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi – a close Ruto confidant – said Mt Kenya is at the centre of Ruto’s administration and will not be overlooked.

There's no doubt Murima is at the core of this government.

No one has an issue with the majority of leaders from the mountain, save for one ill-behaved character. Even his replacement will surely come from the mountain. Sure Bet.
— Hon Oscar Sudi (@HonOscarSudi) October 2, 2024

“No one has an issue with the majority of leaders from the mountain, save for one. Even his replacement will surely come from the mountain. Sure bet.” Sudi posted on his verified X account.

Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings officially began last Tuesday, following the filing of a motion by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

The embattled DP has been accused of promoting tribalism and acquiring wealth through his position in government.

The second in command has also been accused of contradicting government policies and encouraging citizens to defy county government directives.

Mutuse’s motion also claims that the DP has committed gross economic crimes, including conflicts of interest, abuse of office, and unexplained wealth.

Gachagua is also accused of undermining and publicly attacking the National Intelligence Service and its officers, despite having access to the National Security Council to express his frustration or views.

There are also claims the DP has for two years “persistently bullied state and public officers for”, charges that are expected to play out in today’s session.

The DP will have two hours today to defend himself against the allegations before MPs vote to decide his fate.

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If 233 MPs, or two-thirds of the total, vote in favor of the motion, the special motion will be sent to the Senate, where Gachagua will be tried either by committee or in plenary.

During the trial, the DP will be given the opportunity to appear before the committee.

If the charges are substantiated, senators will vote after giving the DP another chance to be heard, and if 45 senators vote to uphold any impeachment charge, the DP will be removed from office.

The President will then have the opportunity to nominate someone to fill the position, subject to parliamentary approval.

Kindiki, Kiunjuri Stand Tall To Succeed Embattled Gachagua