Purge against Rigathi Gachagua starts in earnest as 300 workers fired

 

When impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was consoled by his wife Pastor Dorcas after being discharged from Karen hospital where he had been admitted after falling ill during the Senate proceedings on October 20, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The political fallout from the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua continues to unfold, with approximately 300 workers dismissed as the purge gains momentum.

Sources indicate that workers hired on contract two years ago, during Gachagua’s tenure at Harambee Annex and Karen, began receiving dismissal notifications over the weekend via text messages. The messages informed recipients that their contracts had been terminated and instructed them to collect their termination letters from their workstations.

At the same time, Gachagua’s allies in the National Assembly, Senate, and various parastatals are also facing ousters, with replacements already underway.

Yesterday, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, previously a member of the prestigious Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), was replaced by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga following a motion by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.

While Cheruiyot claimed Kinyua had resigned, the senator denied this, suggesting his removal was tied to his association with Gachagua. "Your guess is as good as mine," Kinyua said in a phone interview when asked about the reasons for his removal. He added cryptically, "Precise, nothing less and nothing more."

Wamatinga, who hails from Mathira—a constituency Gachagua previously represented—supported the former deputy president's impeachment.

Kipipiri MP Muhia Wanjiku, chair of the Regional Integration Committee, hinted at her impending removal during a plenary session yesterday. "I introduced myself as the chairperson, but I want to say that, for now, I am the chairperson. Before they remove me, I welcome the delegations here today," she said, addressing visiting representatives from South Sudan and Gambia.

Other prominent Gachagua allies reportedly facing removal include Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair Ndindi Nyoro, Agriculture Committee Chair James Murango, Transport Committee Chair Karungoi Thangwa, and Trade Committee Chair James Gakuya.

The shake-up has also reached Gachagua’s former office, where 300 staff members received text messages instructing them to collect termination letters. One staffer, John Mbuthia, expressed dismay: "I received communication from HR that my contract has been terminated. Prof. Kindiki has decided to send home over 300 people and their families."

However, when Mbuthia visited the office, he was informed that termination letters were not yet finalized. The mass dismissals followed an October 19 circular from Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi, which placed 108 staff on compulsory leave. This included senior staff like Njeri Rugene, Deputy Presidential Communication Service strategist, and Ngunjiri Wambugu, an advisor.

"All officers in Job Groups T and U and those on supernumerary contracts are to proceed on compulsory leave immediately," the circular stated.

The political purge has extended beyond Parliament, with parastatal appointments also under review. On October 19, the appointment of Wanjira Mabati as director of Tana Water Works was revoked, and Njoki Maina was named as her replacement in a gazette notice signed by Water CS Eric Muuga.

The developments come amidst warnings from leaders like Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, who urged committee chairs and their deputies to take their roles seriously, hinting at potential impeachment for underperformance. "If you don’t have time for the House, do the honorable thing. If not, you could be replaced," he said.

As the political scene heats up, some warn of long-term consequences. Nyandarua Senator John Methu described the move to impeach Gachagua as politically motivated and potentially catastrophic. "This split will be painful and damaging. Gachagua’s only crime was political, leading to his removal," Methu said.

The purge coincides with growing discontent among Kenyans, with the President recently facing jeers in Embu over concerns about healthcare and affordable housing.