A meeting on Tuesday between Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and several MPs has sparked further speculation about the possible replacement of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kang’ata, a prominent political figure from Mount Kenya, has been mentioned among potential successors to Gachagua.
Having risen from a councillor to Kiharu MP, Murang’a senator, and now governor, he is considered a strong contender for the position.
The gathering at a Nairobi hotel fueled rumors of a potential power shift in the Mount Kenya region amid growing talks of Gachagua’s possible ouster.
The attendance of National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro at the meeting raised questions about whether the session had backing from higher political powers.
Tight lipped MPs
While the MPs were tight-lipped about the details of their discussion with Kang’ata, Osoro told the media that the meeting’s purpose was for leaders to benefit from the governor’s political experience.
Osoro also praised Kang’ata for his impressive track record in both current and previous leadership roles, positioning him as a role model for many leaders.
“Governor Irungu Kang’ata has steadily risen through various political ranks, and we often hold meetings like this with progressive leaders to learn from their leadership experience,” Osoro told the media.
He hinted that the MPs met with Kang’ata to understand his leadership and management skills, suggesting that his achievements are widely admired.
“How does one rise from being a councillor to a Member of Parliament, a senator, and now a governor? Not to mention, he’s among the top 10 performing governors in Kenya,” Osoro added.
When asked about the cross-party meeting, Kang’ata explained, “During my time in Parliament, I made many friends, and today I just came to visit them.”
See also Court rejects bid to halt Gachagua’s Senate trial.
The meeting takes place amid intense political lobbying ahead of the Senate’s upcoming decision on Gachagua’s impeachment, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Gachagua faces 11 allegations, including corruption and undermining the government, charges that he has denied, vowing to fight them vigorously.
As the political class engages in lobbying, at least six names have emerged as potential replacements for Gachagua.
Among those mentioned are Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), as well as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah is also reportedly under consideration.
