Allies of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are taking a defiant stance amid a looming purge from key parliamentary leadership roles.
Gachagua’s supporters allege that President William Ruto and his allies, who voted for his removal, are conspiring to extend term limits for political officeholders.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa remarked, “This suggests there are individuals who do not want to relinquish power. Considering who proposed this change, where they come from, and how they voted against Gachagua, it indicates a clear plan.”
A constitutional amendment bill proposed by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeks to extend the term limits for the President, MPs, senators, governors, and MCAs from the current five years to seven.
Sources indicate that the Kenya Kwanza leadership is targeting Gachagua’s supporters in a potential purge that could create further rifts within the ruling coalition, specifically aiming at Gachagua’s allies in both the Senate and the National Assembly.
Senators at risk include Thang’wa, John Methu (Nyandarua), James Murango (Kirinyaga), Kanar Seki (Kajiado), and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), all of whom supported Gachagua during the impeachment vote.
Thang’wa confirmed the threat of removal from their leadership positions, stating, “We have been warned about being ousted from our chairmanship. Bring it on. I was elected by the people of Kiambu, who didn’t know there were chairs in Parliament.”
He mentioned that some senators have been targeted for opposing certain government policies, such as the leasing of state properties.
“My committee is currently discussing the Adani issue and is responsible for making recommendations and reports,” Thang’wa said. “If they choose to remove us for standing for justice, so be it. As long as I remain the senator of Kiambu, I’m fine with that.”
He added, “We are not sellouts. I won’t sell Kenya to anyone. During Gachagua’s impeachment, we were told that if we wanted to keep our committee seats, we had to vote in favor.”
In the National Assembly, targeted Gachagua allies include Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who chairs the trade committee, and vocal Githunguri MP Muthoni Wamuchomba, who heads the Constitution and Implementation oversight committee. They were among the 44 lawmakers who voted to support Gachagua.
Sources informed that a Parliamentary Group meeting will be convened soon after the impeachment matter is settled to discuss replacements.
“I’m aware that plans are underway to take action as soon as the impeachment issue is resolved,” one MP revealed.
This move could exacerbate the already strained relationship within Kenya Kwanza and potentially trigger turmoil in Mt Kenya, where many of those targeted hail from.
Parliamentary committees are essential for the functioning of the bicameral House, holding significant power in approving government policy and budget preparations.
