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| Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua |
As the impeachment process against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accelerates, speculation grows over who might succeed him. The second in command’s fate rests in the hands of the senators where he’ll be tried. Political insiders reveal that lobbying for the Deputy President’s position has already begun, with the Mt Kenya region expected to retain the seat. According to NTV Kenya, discussions on potential successors are centred on who can best complement President William Ruto in leading the country for the remainder of his term. Despite the lobbying, political undertones in the corridors of power suggest most MPs blame Ruto for the current troubles.
Many recall that most MPs from the Mt Kenya region had advocated for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to be Ruto’s running mate in May 2022. Among the names being whispered, some unlikely politicians have been fronted to deputise Ruto due to some of their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Irungu Kang’ata
Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata is a dark horse in the race to succeed the embattled second in command. Once a councillor, then a Kiharu MP, and later a Senate Majority Whip, Kang’ata’s supporters highlight his experience as both a lawmaker and governor. His calm and conciliatory nature, they argue, would bring stability after the ongoing tension between Ruto and Gachagua. He is also being fronted due to his bold and steadfast nature, and his famous letter to former president Uhuru Kenyatta has won him more followers.
2. Mutahi Kagwe
Former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe from Nyeri is another surprise contender for the position. Nyeri county, where Gachagua hails from, is keen not to lose the DP position, and some political players are pushing Kagwe as a suitable replacement. Despite supporting Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential vote, the former CS continues to receive admirers due to his leadership qualities. Kagwe is widely celebrated by Kenyans for his role in guiding the country during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Cecily Mbarire
Embu governor Cecily Mbarire, who also serves as chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, has emerged as a surprise contender. Her strong leadership in Embu and her role within the ruling party make her a notable candidate for the position. Mbarire has also being a close and trusted ally of the head of state, going in the proverbial trenches with him as they challenged Uhuru and state machinery.
4. Kithure Kindiki Kindiki
remains a favourite among MPs who believe his experience and loyalty to Ruto would make him the ideal Deputy President. Most lawmakers view him as the missed opportunity from 2022 when he was passed over for Gachagua. A survey by Infotrak has shown Kenyans prefer the Interior CS to take over the seat should the Senate uphold Gachagua’s impeachment. The study, undertaken on October 9 through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) in eight regions across the country, showed that 20% of Kenyans support Kindiki.
5. Anne Waiguru
Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, a seasoned politician and close ally of Ruto, is another possible candidate. Her role as Chairperson of the Council of Governors has solidified her as a political heavyweight. Among the few female county chiefs, Waiguru is not a stranger to national politics with stints in Uhuru’s Cabinet. Recently, more than 30 women leaders, including Ida Odinga, Raila’s spouse, endorsed the Kirinyaga governor for the position of deputy president.
6. Ndindi Nyoro
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, a staunch Ruto ally, rounds off the list of possible successors to the Deputy President. Nyoro’s stand on Gachagua’s impeachment has seen his popularity among his peers take a hit, but he remains among front runners for the position. His youth and vocal support for the president have positioned him as a potential successor to Gachagua, with many seeing him as a future leader in the Mt Kenya region. The lawmaker’s development record in Kiharu has also earned him admirers, and many MPs have toured the constituency to benchmark. Does Atwoli want to be Ruto’s deputy?
Recently, veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli ruled himself out of the possible Gachagua’s successors. Atwoli, the secretary general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), was responding to assertions that Ruto might shift his focus to Western Kenya for his deputy’s post; and that Atwoli could be the best fit. In his reaction, the outspoken opinion-maker said he is still vested in championing the interests of workers at the expense of taking appointive and elective positions. Atwoli added that if the president is indeed interested in giving the DP’s post to Western Kenya, then there are other appropriate leaders he could consider, far from him.
by Didacus Malowa