Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, shared how he first heard his name being mentioned as a possible contender for the Deputy President position, should the Senate uphold the impeachment motion against Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking on a local TV show, Kang’ata explained that he was busy attending to county duties when the news broke, describing the moment as humbling.
“The news came while we were distributing fertilizer and maize to our 57,000 farmers in preparation for the short rains expected in mid-October, so it was quite humbling to hear my name being floated,” Kang’ata said.
Regarding Gachagua’s impeachment, Kang’ata emphasized that it was premature to engage in further discussions as the matter was still in court and the Senate had not yet made a ruling.
“I believe it’s sub judice to dive too deeply into the issue, considering the ongoing court cases. Plus, the Senate is still deliberating on the matter, and it’s ultimately up to the President to make any decisions on the issue,” he added.
Speculation has suggested that President Ruto may limit his choices for Deputy President to Central Kenya if the position becomes vacant. Among those considered are Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Governor Kang’ata, and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, initially viewed as a leading candidate, has since faded from consideration after neither signing the impeachment motion nor participating in the vote.
Kang’ata’s political background, along with the regional dynamics of Central Kenya, may give him an edge. Having started his political career as a councillor in Murang’a at the age of 22 in 2002, he later gained national attention as a lawyer representing Rebecca Kerubo in a high-profile case against former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza. Since then, Kang’ata has won every election he has contested, including Kiharu MP in 2013, Murang’a Senator in 2017, and Governor in the 2022 General Election.
