Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political future hangs in the balance following his unprecedented impeachment by MPs.
While he has filed a lawsuit challenging his ouster and secured a temporary order halting the appointment of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his successor, Gachagua faces an uphill battle—one that could not only end his political career but also dismantle the constituency he has worked hard to build.
This week will likely be pivotal for Gachagua, with his court appearance expected either tomorrow or Wednesday.
However, political analysts and seasoned lawyers suggest that his fight may already be lost. Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, for instance, believes Gachagua should step aside gracefully: “He should stop this court circus and move on…he should know that he can’t hold the office through court orders.”
Similarly, lawyer Donald Kipkorir stated, “…the ship has sailed…the train has left the station,” pointing out that Gachagua’s court orders came after Kindiki had already been approved by Parliament and gazetted.
The signs of Gachagua’s diminishing influence were clear during the recent Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale.
He was conspicuously absent from the guest list, no seat was reserved for him, and his official security and privileges have been stripped away.
His rural home in Mathira is no longer under state protection, his official cars have been repossessed, and his staff, including advisers, have been placed on compulsory leave.
Article 75 of the Kenyan Constitution bars anyone removed from office through impeachment from holding any other state position.
Without the authority, power, and resources that come with his former office, Gachagua now faces the harsh reality of rebuilding his political future from scratch, a nearly impossible task without state backing.
His once-solid Kikuyu support base may be slipping away, with many members of the Mount Kenya bloc questioning his political missteps.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, a notable voice from Gachagua’s backyard, expressed regret over the DP’s decisions: “I advised him against challenging the powers that be.
If only he had remained humble, he’d still be Deputy President. Whatever he is going through is his own doing,” said Wamumbi. He added that the people of Mount Kenya will move on and realize that President William Ruto was not behind Gachagua’s ouster.
“There are many leaders in Mount Kenya who are working for the people. Gachagua miscalculated. He is not the people,” Wamumbi remarked.
Now, the question of Mount Kenya’s future leadership is being debated. Political realignments are likely as the region seeks a new kingpin.
Gachagua’s downfall has left a power vacuum, with several names being floated, including Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
The region’s next leader will need to be charismatic and persuasive to fill the void, and many wonder whether former President Uhuru Kenyatta will once again play a role.
Uhuru, who campaigned for Raila Odinga and warned against a Ruto presidency, may yet have influence over Mount Kenya’s next political direction.
As Gachagua fights to reclaim his place, it is becoming increasingly clear that Mount Kenya’s political landscape is poised for a significant shift, and the region may soon crown a new leader.
