By Channel 15 News Desk
A growing faction within President William Ruto’s inner circle, including several Cabinet members, is pushing for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi or Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to replace embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to reports from Nation Newspaper, these allies believe that shifting the Deputy President’s position away from Central Kenya, which has already consolidated its support behind Gachagua, would have a stronger political impact ahead of the 2027 elections.
As pressure mounts on Gachagua, key figures in Ruto’s administration have reportedly initiated discussions about the possibility of replacing him with either Mudavadi or Kindiki, both seen as capable of stabilizing the government. With a Senate impeachment vote scheduled for Thursday, Gachagua’s allies have allegedly approached President Ruto to negotiate a deal that would see him step down voluntarily in exchange for continued VIP privileges and security detail.
Sources indicate that emissaries acting on Gachagua’s behalf have reached out to the President, requesting that he be allowed to enjoy benefits similar to those of a retired Deputy President. This package includes a pension equal to 80% of his last salary, a lump-sum payment, and government-provided vehicles, among other perks. Legally, Gachagua risks losing these privileges if removed from office before serving half of his five-year term.
Despite these behind-the-scenes efforts, it remains unclear whether President Ruto is willing to grant these requests, or if Gachagua will step down before the Senate votes on his impeachment.
The debate over Gachagua’s replacement has largely centered on the national appeal of Musalia Mudavadi versus the regional popularity of Kithure Kindiki. Proponents of Mudavadi argue that his broad appeal across different regions, especially in Western Kenya, would help the government strengthen its foothold beyond Mt. Kenya. Mudavadi’s proven loyalty and political experience, which includes stints as Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, have earned him considerable backing from key Ruto allies, particularly those from the Rift Valley.
On the other hand, Kindiki, who hails from the Mt. Kenya region, is seen by some as a natural successor to Gachagua. His supporters argue that appointing Kindiki would maintain the delicate balance of power within the region. However, critics within Ruto’s camp fear that Kindiki may not have the necessary influence to rally the broad political support needed to ensure the government’s stability moving forward.
Mudavadi, currently attending a governors’ conference in Kwale on behalf of President Ruto, is considered a strong contender, with his national profile and perceived ability to unify different factions within the government. His supporters argue that appointing him as Deputy President would send a strong message about the government’s intention to foster national cohesion and address regional concerns.
Meanwhile, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has openly criticized Gachagua, accusing him of engaging in premature 2027 presidential campaigns and fueling internal divisions. “The man has tasted power and now he’s hungry for more,” Ichung’wah said in a social media post, highlighting the growing frustration among Gachagua’s colleagues.
With the Senate vote looming and political speculation mounting, the possibility of a shake-up in Ruto’s administration is becoming increasingly likely. Whether Gachagua resigns or faces the Senate, the focus now shifts to Mudavadi and Kindiki as potential successors, both of whom could significantly influence the political landscape heading into the next election cycle.
Source: Nation Newspaper