Impeachment: Kindiki, Waiguru top preferred Gachagua successors

Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi (left), Governor Anne Waiguru (centre) and Interior CS Kindiki (right). [File, Standard]

As Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua prepares for a crucial impeachment trial in the Senate next week, speculation is growing over potential successors.

A recent survey shows that 44 per cent of Kenyans believe the Senate will uphold Gachagua’s impeachment, while 30 per cent think the Senate will overturn the decision.

If the Senate confirms the impeachment, the country will face the prospect of a new nominee for the position of deputy president.

The report by Infotrak further indicates that 20 per cent of Kenyans favor Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the preferred successor.

“The top reasons cited for Kindiki’s preference include his experience and track record at 32 per cent, and his competence at 29 per cent,” the research firm noted.

Additionally, five per cent of the 1,000 respondents support Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru or Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as suitable replacements for Gachagua.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and opposition leader Raila Odinga trail further behind, with 4 per cent and 2 per cent support, respectively.

As Gachagua awaits his fate, the air is thick with unspoken words and the political landscape shifting.

Gachagua will have five hours to present his defense on Thursday, October 17, after which senators will debate the impeachment motion and proceed to a vote around 8:30 p.m.