The battle to succeed Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua is already taking centre stage, even before the Senate hearing. Speaking on Monday, October 14, Imenti Central Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Kirima revealed that legislators are already receiving calls from potential candidates asking for their support.
He explained that the majority of MPs from Meru signed the impeachment believing that Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki would succeed Gachagua as DP.
However, Kirima noted that things have changed since the National Assembly impeached Gachagua, with many candidates now vying to take over the position.
“We believed, as Meru MPs, that number two is supposed to take the place of number one. So, we signed on the belief that Kindiki would be appointed as the DP. But since we passed that impeachment, things have not been as they were. There is a lot of lobbying from various sectors of society,” he said.
Kirima mentioned that several tribes and communities are lobbying to have one of their own as the next second-in-command.
He added that names from the Mt. Kenya region, including Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, have been floated as potential successors.
“I am concerned because now we are hearing about people like Irungu Kang’ata. They are even calling us and lobbying for our support,” he added.
Female Governors Push
The MP stated that female governors are pushing President William Ruto to choose a woman as the next DP, in line with a previous promise he made.
Waiguru and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga are reportedly being considered by the women’s caucus of governors.
“The women governors are up in arms, reminding us that Ruto had promised that the next DP would be a woman,” Kirima said.
Kirima also revealed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s name was mentioned in the succession discussion.
He expressed concern that various candidates are now competing with Kindiki.
Also Read: CJ Koome Appoints 3-Judge Bench to Hear Gachagua’s Case
Why Kindiki is the Best Candidate
Nevertheless, he reaffirmed that Kindiki remains the most suitable candidate to succeed Gachagua, should he be removed from office.
He emphasized that Kindiki is well aware of the issues affecting Meru residents and would address them without needing extensive explanations.
“It would be a great advantage for me since he knows about our electricity and road problems. I wouldn’t have to explain anything to him; he’s already aware of our challenges,” Kirima said.
Also Read: Wetangula Sends 4 MPs to Senate to Face Off with Gachagua
Kirima Defends Ruto
Kirima also clarified that President Ruto did not direct MPs to impeach Gachagua, stating that the decision was made after thoroughly reviewing the charges presented in Parliament.
He further explained that initially, he opposed Gachagua’s impeachment because he wasn’t aware of the plan to have Kindiki succeed him.
“When I initially said that Gachagua would not be impeached, I had no idea that Kindiki was supposed to succeed him,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for Kindiki, I wouldn’t have voted to impeach Gachagua,” Kirima added.
However, Kirima did not clarify which specific candidate has been calling MPs to seek their support in succeeding Gachagua.
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