Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has urged President William Ruto to consider a replacement for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from outside the Mt. Kenya region if Gachagua’s impeachment motion is successful.
Speaking on a morning TV show on Monday, Ngunjiri stated that it would be more appropriate to choose someone from a different region. “I want to advise the President, Samoei Arap Ruto: if Gachagua is removed, do not give that seat back to Central. It seems to be a regional issue,” he said. “Select someone from elsewhere so that the people of Murima can have some peace.”
His remarks come amid discussions among leaders from the Rift Valley, who have claimed that if Gachagua is impeached, the next Deputy President should come from the Central region.
On October 2, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi reassured the Mt. Kenya region that they would not lose the position if Gachagua is removed. He emphasized that the replacement would likely be from their region. “There’s no doubt that Murima is central to this government. Most leaders from the mountain have no issues, aside from one. His successor will certainly come from the mountain. It’s a sure bet,” he asserted.
In September, Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgei acknowledged the contributions of the Mt. Kenya people but advocated for a change in leadership. “The people of Mt. Kenya are great. All we want is to remove Gachagua and find another leader from the region,” Kosgei stated.
Gachagua is facing 11 grounds for impeachment, including making inflammatory remarks, undermining national unity, publicly contradicting the President on key issues, attacking judges, and violating the Constitution. Additional accusations include using abusive language, amassing questionable wealth of Sh5.2 billion, insubordination, undermining the President, bullying KEMSA officials, and failing integrity tests.
