With Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s removal looking increasingly likely, intense competition has erupted in Mt Kenya for his potential replacement. Should Parliament proceed with Gachagua’s impeachment, President William Ruto will need to carefully balance his choice for a new deputy, given Gachagua’s controversial and divisive style.
Political figures from both Mt Kenya East and West are actively maneuvering behind the scenes, vying to position themselves favorably as the debate around Gachagua’s future heats up. MPs are currently deliberating on the impeachment motion that could end the career of the self-styled “truthful man,” known for threatening to reveal the inner workings of the government.
“Unless the President himself intervenes, Gachagua’s days are numbered. The train has left the station, the horses have bolted,” political analyst Mark Bichachi told the *Star*.
Among the names being floated as potential replacements are Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has also been mentioned in discussions.
Should Ruto consider candidates outside Mt Kenya, sources suggest Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Environment Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as possibilities.
Sources close to the matter revealed that those eyeing the position have been holding a series of secret meetings with their allies to strategize. The most recent gathering took place on Wednesday evening at a hotel on the outskirts of Nairobi, following a similar one on Tuesday.
“We are almost certain that the man is going. It’s no longer a question of ‘if,’ but ‘who,’” a politician from the region said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi declined to comment on the meetings, stating, “The mountain is united.”
Kindiki, seen as a frontrunner, has garnered significant endorsements from Mt Kenya leaders, who are pushing for his elevation as the key link between the region and the government. Gachagua’s exit, therefore, is viewed as a “dream come true” for Kindiki, who narrowly lost to Gachagua in the 2022 running mate race to Ruto.
Kindiki is seen as a competent and business-like figure, not driven by a desire for power or position. Several leaders who spoke to *The Star* argue that, since Kindiki was initially considered for the running mate position, he is the best candidate to fill the role now.
“Kindiki deserves it, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The people from Mt Kenya East have always supported the West in their quest,” former Igembe North MP Joseph M’eruaki told *The Star*.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who chairs the powerful Council of Governors, has also been endorsed by women governors under the G7 umbrella body.
Governance expert Javas Bigambo emphasized that the final decision rests with President Ruto, noting that the ideal candidate should come from Mt Kenya and have the ability to turn the tide in the region against Gachagua.
“That (discussion of Gachagua’s replacement) is shooting in the dark; we may not know because it’s up to the President, as the naming authority for Parliament’s approval,” Bigambo told *The Star*. “However, if we were to extend our imagination, for the President to maintain his popularity and sustain his political momentum moving into the 2027 elections, he has to fill the position with someone from Central Kenya.”
Bigambo added, “He needs someone superior to Rigathi. A person with national appeal, one who will be seen as a statesman or stateswoman, and someone who embodies nationalistic qualities.”
Political analyst Mark Bichachi agrees, stating the replacement will likely come from Central Kenya. “It’s most likely going to come from the mountain because the President is trying to appease his central base,” Bichachi told *The Star*.
However, Bichachi also suggested that if President Ruto were to look beyond Mt Kenya for a deputy, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi would be a strong candidate.
“If he (President Ruto) decides to introduce a whole new tribe as the Deputy President, then he will elevate someone from the Mountain to be PCS,” he noted. “If you look at the seniority in government, the most senior politician is Musalia Mudavadi. He is the only one who has been Vice President, so if the President were to promote Mudavadi, we could expect a Ndindi Nyoro and Anne Murugaru to be named as PCS.”
On the other hand, Daniel Maanzo insists that the ongoing impeachment is largely driven by pressure from figures like Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who are eager to claim Gachagua’s seat.
In an interview with *Citizen TV* last Thursday, Senator Daniel Maanzo alleged that Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has shown interest in replacing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and would stand to benefit from the impeachment.
“President Ruto and DP Gachagua are in the same ballot paper, they should either serve the whole term or both of them go so that Kenya can have a new beginning. I think the President needs to look at the matter carefully. He should not follow the Ichung’wahs of this world who pressure him,” Maanzo said.
He added, “You know the President is under a lot of pressure from certain fellows. Ichung’wah himself is interested in being the deputy president because they are saying if they remove Gachagua, they must bring in another Kikuyu and that’s why we are all guilty of tribalism.”
Close allies of President Ruto have also indicated that the next Deputy President will likely come from Mt Kenya to prevent any unrest within the region. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a trusted confidant of Ruto, commented on this saying Mt Kenya is at the core of Ruto’s administration and will not be sidelined.
“No one has an issue with the majority of leaders from the mountain, save for one. Even his replacement will surely come from the mountain. Sure bet,” Sudi posted on his verified X account.
The impeachment motion against Gachagua officially commenced last Tuesday following its tabling by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse. The embattled Deputy President has been accused of promoting tribalism, using his position to acquire wealth, and contradicting government policies. Additional accusations against him include inciting citizens to defy county government directives and undermining the National Intelligence Service.
Mutuse’s motion further alleges that Gachagua has committed gross economic crimes, including conflict of interest, abuse of office, and unexplained wealth. There are also claims that for two years, the DP has been “persistently bullying state and public officers,” charges that will be addressed in today’s session.
The DP will be given two hours to defend himself against these allegations before MPs vote to decide his fate. If 233 MPs, or two-thirds, vote in favor of the motion, it will proceed to the Senate, where Gachagua will be tried either through a committee or at the plenary. During the trial, the DP will be given the chance to appear before the Committee.
If the charges are substantiated and 45 senators vote to uphold any impeachment charge, the DP will cease to hold office, allowing President Ruto the opportunity to nominate a replacement, subject to Parliament’s approval.
