Several politicians, most from Mt. Kenya have already started positioning themselves to replace deputy president Rigathi Gachagua who is facing looming impeachment as the Senate gears to determine his fate next week.
A source privy to the information disclosed that the position could most likely be handed to a potential candidate from the Mt Kenya region, retaining the region’s status in President William Ruto’s administration.
According to the reputable source, among those linked with the top job include Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. The former Tharaka Nithi Senator has been highly tipped to replace Gachagua having been the favourite to be Ruto's running mate before Gachagua was chosen. The Interior CS has also been backed by several leaders as the region's de facto kingpin.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru is among the leaders whose names have been fronted as a possible replacement for DP Gachagua. If picked, Waiguru would become the first female deputy president in Kenya's history.
During a recent G7 Women Governors’ Forum in Kirinyaga, the former Devolution Minister was endorsed by the women leaders as the potential candidate to take over the deputy president role.
Another potential candidate who could become the country's second in command is Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata. According to reports, a section of Mt Kenya legislators have endorsed the soft-spoken governor to take over from Gachagua.
The lawmakers cited Kang’ata’s incredible track record as proof of his eligibility to become the country’s second in command. Irungu’s non-confrontational and conciliatory nature also handed him a chance to feature on the list.
Kiharu lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro’s is among those whose names have been tipped for the position with a section of Kenyans speculating that Nyoro’s deafening silence could be a strategy to replace DP Gachagua.
Nyoro is currently serving his second term as Kiharu lawmaker and his impressive track record has placed him among those in line to become the country's deputy president.
Meanwhile, in what seems to be a surprise move, another group of lawmakers have backed former Health CS Mutahi Kagwe as the next deputy president with some fronting Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire as a potential Gachagua replacement.
Gachagua whose fate is currently before the Senate has since vowed to defend his position to the end. In a recent televised speech, Gachagua dismissed allegations that he was contemplating resigning.
