INFOTRAK Report Highlights CS Kindiki as Preferred Candidate to Replace Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attends a church service in Meru on September 29, 2024.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attends a church service in Meru on September 29, 2024.
Photo
DPPS

A report compiled by research firm INFOTRAK has placed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the firm favourite to take over from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua if he is impeached.

According to the report which surveyed the popular opinion amongst Kenyans residing in various parts of the country, CS Kindiki stands as the most preferred candidate after garnering 20 per cent, emerging as the best by a huge margin against other potential candidates.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru comes second with a 5 per cent approval rate handily with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who also garnered 5 per cent.

Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga came fourth alongside Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro at 4 per cent. The duo are closely followed by the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who comes in as a surprise candidate for the top role. The former premier garnered 2 per cent.

A collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Parliament Buildings.
A collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Parliament Buildings.
Photo
Parliament, Gachagua

In terms of gender distribution, 24 per cent of males preferred CS Kithure Kindiki as the replacement for Rigathi Gachagua, while only 16 per cent of females reported a preference for the Interior minister. 

The report also highlighted the age distribution of the voters with 21 per cent of those aged 36-45 years noting their preference for the former Tharaka Nithi Senator as the replacement, making this age group the most supportive. 

According to the report, the main reasons why most Kenyans preferred CS Kindiki were majorly hinged on his experience, track record and competence. Nonetheless, in terms of experience and track record, Kiharu lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro received the highest rating at 43%.

Further, 60 per cent of the respondents reported that they neither knew nor had an idea of who should be the replacement despite their interest in the development.

The latest report comes days after DP Gachagua vowed to defend his position to the hilt, claiming that the charges imposed on him were unfair and that his current woes were politically orchestrated.

With the hearing currently before the Senate, the embattled leader has prepared a battery of top lawyers who will defend him before the Senate and even at the Supreme Court should the lawmakers impeach him next week.

The scheduled Senate plenary hearing comes days after a majority of Members of the National Assembly voted in favour of the impeachment motion which was tabled before the House by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

182 MPs voted in favour of the motion, 44 lawmakers voted against the charges while one legislator abstained. The decision paved the way for a Senate hearing. 

Amason Kingi
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi reading the resolution to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza to the House, August 19.
Photo
NA