Imenti Central MP Moses Kirima has expressed regret among legislators from the larger Mt. Kenya East region for supporting the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kirima explained that the MPs had backed the impeachment with the expectation that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki would be appointed as Gachagua’s replacement.
“We believed as Meru MPs that number two is supposed to take the place of number one. So, we signed on the strength that Kindiki is going to be appointed as the DP. But from the time we passed that impeachment, things are not as they were,” Kirima stated.
He recalled that during the selection of President William Ruto’s running mate ahead of the 2022 elections, Kindiki was the top choice, but Ruto ultimately picked Gachagua, against the preference of many UDA members. Since Kindiki was second in line, Kirima argued that he deserves to take over if Gachagua is removed, noting that the Deputy President’s fate now rests with the Senate and the Judiciary.
However, Kirima expressed concern that their wish for Kindiki to take the position may not be fulfilled, as there has been intense lobbying from various groups supporting other candidates. “A number of communities are lobbying to have their own as number two. Now we are hearing of somebody like Irungu Kang’ata, they are even lobbying us to support them. There is also Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, there is Anne Waiguru… they are also mentioning Gladys Wanga, and even sometimes they are bringing the name of Raila Odinga… so it’s not as straightforward as it was, so I am very concerned,” Kirima added.
He emphasized that people from the Meru region should be considered first for the deputy president position if Gachagua is successfully removed, arguing that Kindiki would best represent their interests. “If it were not for Kindiki, I wouldn’t have voted for Gachagua’s impeachment,” Kirima concluded.
