Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah has denied claims that he plans to replace Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki after Kindiki was nominated as Kenya’s next deputy president. Ichung’wah said that these reports are false and that he is focused on serving the people of Kikuyu. He emphasized that his current role in parliament remains his priority. His statement came after speculation arose about who would fill the vacant position in the Ministry of Interior once Kindiki assumes the role of deputy president.
President William Ruto nominated Kithure Kindiki for the position of deputy president on Friday, October 18, 2024, after the Senate voted to impeach Rigathi Gachagua. Parliament quickly approved the nomination, but the High Court suspended Kindiki’s appointment until October 24. This suspension also halted the Senate’s resolution upholding the impeachment charges against Gachagua.
The court ruling came after Gachagua’s legal team requested more time, citing his absence from the impeachment proceedings due to illness. Gachagua, who was in hospital at the time, was reportedly suffering from intense chest pains. His supporters criticized the Senate’s decision, arguing that the process was rushed and denied him a fair chance to defend himself. The Senate, however, moved forward with the vote, leading to his removal.
Gachagua’s impeachment brought attention to the growing rift between him and President Ruto, with reports suggesting they had fallen out over government policy. Gachagua, who helped Ruto secure votes from the Mount Kenya region during the 2022 elections, faced 11 charges, including corruption and undermining the government. His impeachment means he has lost his retirement benefits and is barred from holding public office again.
Kithure Kindiki, who hails from the same Mount Kenya region, has been a key ally of President Ruto. He served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration during Ruto’s two years in office. Before that, Kindiki was the senator for Tharaka-Nithi County. His nomination for deputy president is seen as part of Ruto’s strategy to maintain influence in the Mount Kenya region while addressing divisions within the ruling party.
The Ministry of Interior, which Kindiki currently heads, will remain vacant until his appointment as deputy president is confirmed. Meanwhile, Gachagua has filed a legal challenge to stop his replacement, and the High Court will continue to review the case next week.
Link
https://x.com/KBCChannel1/status/1848401617193767112?t=YuN0XePOvo4hJprT0Bh8ag&s=19
