The political landscape in Mt. Kenya region is heating up as six prominent politicians lobby to replace Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, amid the ongoing impeachment process.
The motion to oust Gachagua has been gaining momentum, with 291 members of parliament voting in favour of the impeachment.
This has however, has left the DP in a tight corner with political experts and leaders pointing out that he has minimal chance of survival.
This has prompted Among the politicians eyeing the position are Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
These leaders, all from Mt. Kenya, have emerged as potential successors, reflecting the region’s strong influence in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Many believe its Kithure Kindiki is the front runner but disadvantaged by regional interests from the Kikuyu community.
Kindiki, is considered a close ally of President William Ruto. Their relationship dates back to their time working together in the Jubilee government, where both were part of the leadership team.
In the run-up to the 2022 elections, Kindiki was initially seen as a potential running mate for Ruto.
However, Rigathi Gachagua was ultimately chosen for the role, a decision that reportedly strained the relationship between Ruto and Kindiki for a time.
Despite this, Kindiki remained loyal to the president and was appointed to the influential position of Interior Cabinet Secretary after Ruto’s election victory.
His loyalty to Ruto has kept him in the inner circle of the Kenya Kwanza administration, and he remains a key figure in the government, with a growing political influence in the Mt. Kenya region.
Alice Wahome, who is also a long-standing ally of President William Ruto, has been lobbying and will be betting on her relationship with Ruto to secure the spot.
She has been a vocal supporter of Ruto during his tenure as Deputy President.
Kirinyaga governor under the g7 alliance of women governors has also set sights on the lucrative DP position.
She has been campaigning calling for a change by having a woman in leadership.
In a surprise twist Irungu Kangata is also in the lineup. Their relationship blossomed during the latter stages of the Jubilee government when Kang’ata, then the Senate Majority Whip, openly shifted his support from President Uhuru Kenyatta to Ruto.
Political experts argue out that there are those who favour Ndindi although his absence in the impeachment proceedings has raised eyebrows.
As the political intrigue deepens, it remains unclear how the impeachment process will unfold or whether Gachagua’s potential replacement will come from one of the six Central Kenya heavyweights.
Moses Kuria has since claimed that the DP has lost peoples favour and saving his position is irredeemable.
“You have lost the trust and friendship of 90% of elected and appointed leaders in the Mt. Kenya region. How can you lead them?” said Moses KuriaKikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro the other prominent figures from Central Kenya eyeing the Deputy President position.
Ichung’wah has steadily risen through the political ranks, known for his strong leadership in Parliament, where he currently serves as the Majority Leader.
A vocal supporter of Ruto, Ichung’wah played a key role in rallying the Mt. Kenya region behind the president during the 2022 elections.
His loyalty, political acumen, and leadership in legislative affairs make him a serious contender for the Deputy President role, should the seat become vacant.
Ndindi Nyoro, the outspoken Kiharu MP, is another strong candidate. Nyoro is well-known for his unwavering support of Ruto and his populist appeal within Central Kenya.
His fiery rhetoric and advocacy for economic empowerment have made him a favorite among the youth and grassroots movements.
Like Ichung’wah, Nyoro was instrumental in solidifying Ruto’s political base in Mt. Kenya. His rising popularity and close alignment with Ruto’s economic vision position him as a formidable aspirant for the Deputy President seat.
The leaders have expressed dissatisfaction over his leadership style and political conduct at the heart of the controversy.
