MPs to hold special sitting as lobbying for Gachagua seat in high gear

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (centre) arrives for Senate Impeachment trial on October 16, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s succession has gained momentum even before the Senate gives its final verdict today.

As the lobbying gets to top gear, the National Assembly will convene a special sitting Friday to discuss “urgent matters”, raising speculation that the matter could be settled by the time Senators vote.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula Wednesday announced the House begins its recess on October 22, 2024.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Orders 28(4) (Calendar of the House) and 30(3)(c) (Hours of Meeting), this House resolves to commence the short recess on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, and hold sittings on Friday, 18th October 2024, starting at 9.30am for the morning session and 2.30pm for the afternoon session,” the notice stated.

Majority Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango) moved the Motion for the special sitting, citing the need to discuss pressing matters, including mediated Bills.

Osoro explained that the sitting aims to recover time lost during Mazingira Day and the suspension of parliamentary activities for public participation in the Deputy President’s impeachment process.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who is among the leaders mentioned as possible successors, yesterday held talks with ODM leader Raila Odinga at his Karen home in Nairobi.

Over the weekend, Kang’ata gave the clearest indication yet when he met Murang’a MCAs at a hotel on Thika-Kenol road.

At the meeting, the Governor is said to have confirmed that he was among those being considered for the seat.

Several MCAs said he also sought to hear their views on the matter.

“The Governor’s revelation took most of us by surprise and the issue elicited mixed reactions. There are those who felt he should decline the position as it could attract the ‘sellout’ or ‘traitor’ tag, while others noted that their reelection game plan would be comprised if he took up the position because of his interpersonal skills with the electorate as he could recommend them to the people,” said an MCA who did not wish to be named.

It’s our time

According to sources, other Ward Reps felt the Governor should take up the position, arguing that “emotions by the people against the Kenya Kwanza administration would fade away slowly and that Gachagua’s impeachment will have faded from the voter’s memory by the next General Election in three years time.”

Some supporting the idea argued that if President William Ruto chose him, it would be Murang’a’s turn to occupy a senior position in the national politics “as the county has always voted for the past governments without their child being considered for the top position.”

After the Saturday meeting, the Governor then met 40 Kenya Kwanza MPs at the United Kenya Club in Nairobi in a sitting led by Osoro, who described Kang’ata as a progressive leader.

“Kang’ata has risen through the ranks form a councilor to MP, Senator and then Governor, so occasionally we usually have such of meetings with such progressive leaders to share with us their experience in leadership and how they have been able to rise to these levels without a lot of problems because it looks so easy,” said Osoro.

Kang’ata termed it a meeting of friends. “When I was in the National Assembly, I created permanent friends so I came to see my friends.”

Those who attended the meeting said it was all about why the Governor was in a better position to succeed Gachagua.

“We were told that Kang’ata fitted the bill as Gachagua’s successor as he would be obedient to his boss and also would relate well with the Mt Kenya region, a virtue that is expected to help him take the region back to Ruto’s fold especially after the anger the region exhibited after Gachagua’s fall out with his boss,” said an Mp who attended the meeting.

After the meeting with Raila yesterday, Kang’ata posted on X: “The Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Odinga invited me this morning for consultations. We had a good discussion on national cohesion and thew progress we have made as a country under devolution.”

Meanwhile in Kirinyaga, a group of women from the 20 wards urged the President to pick Governor Ann Waiguru.

Four days ago, Waiguru took to Facebook to enumerate her journey, which she described as “people first initiatives”.

“My journey in public service has been one for the books characterised by bringing service delivery closest to the people through devolution Huduma Centres, Wezesha, health care transformation and many other amazing people-first initiatives.”

As the debate raged, Imenti Central MP Moses Kirima read betrayal  in what he termed a change of tune, noting that MPs from Mt Kenya East  signed the anti-Gachagua Motion on the premise that Kithure Kindiki would replace Gachagua.

“We signed the impeachment of Gachagua on the strength that Kindiki was going to be appointed Deputy President but from the time we passed the impeachment, things are not as they were. There is a lot of lobbying from various sectors, societies. It is not as straightforward as it was,” he said.