Why Rigathi Gachagua’s Political Career Has Hit Dead End

Posted by: Eninu William in African News October 21, 2024

Impeached Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is navigating a slippery path. This may not only end his political career but also make him lose the constituency he is fighting hard to build. Gachagua has sued over his ouster by MPs in a precedent-setting vote.

He also secured orders stopping the appointment of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his successor.

He is now waiting for his day in court this week, probably tomorrow or Wednesday. This is according to sources privy to the goings on in the corridors of justice on this grand political question.

Now, political observers, among them notable lawyers, have warned the beleaguered one-time Mathira MP. They said he is fighting a losing battle, considering the state machinery unleashed on him.

“Gachagua fought the good fight and lost. He should stop this court circus and move on… He should know that he can’t hold the office through court orders,” lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi said.

Lawyer Donald B Kipkorir similarly told Gachagua he seems to be in a cul-de-sac in the impeachment debacle.

“…the ship has sailed…the train has left the station,” he said, pointing out the DP obtained the orders after Kindiki had secured parliamentary approval and been gazetted.

Pundits hold that Gachagua is done, and the signs were evident during yesterday’s Mashujaa celebrations in Kwale. Neither was a seat reserved for him, nor was his name in the guest list.

State security was withdrawn at his major premises, including his rural home in Mathira, Nyeri county. His official cars were taken away.

More than 100 police officers who had been guarding him were recalled, including members of the General Service Unit’s Presidential Guard. Staff at his office and advisers have been sent on compulsory leave.

Article 75 of the Constitution of Kenya says a person removed from office by impeachment is disqualified from holding any other state office.

Without the trappings of power, authority, and money that come with it, the former Mathira MP is faced with the toughest political test. This is especially in trying to build a following among the Kikuyu voting bloc.

The constituency, which he fought for and still hopes to retain ahead of 2027, cannot help him in the current situation and will look for an alternative. Some members of the bloc said Gachagua dug the hole he has sunk into himself before writing his political obit, against all advice.

“I advised him against taking that route of challenging the powers that be. If only he remained humble, he’d still be the Deputy President. Whatever he is going through is his own doing,” Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi said.

For the lawmaker, the people of Mt Kenya will move on and will realize it was not Ruto who was behind Gachagua’s ouster.

“There are many leaders in Mt Kenya who are working for the people. Gachagua miscalculated. He is not the people. They will move on and Kenya will move on,” Wamumbi said.

The question on the lips of many is how Mt Kenya would act post-Gachagua, and who their kingpin will be. Pundits hold since the constituency wants fruits, and realignments will ensue in a desperate hunt for a new king.

The argument is that Rigathi Gachagua finished the last king (former President Uhuru Kenyatta) politically. This now means the region would shift focus to the next king.

During the recent jostling over the next DP, several names were touted. Among them is Muranga Governor Irungu Kang’ata, his Kirinyaga counterpart Anne Waiguru, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.

The top consideration on whether or not any of them can be the face of Mt Kenya is persuasion and charm. There is also the factor of Uhuru’s influence, seen as a giant sitting quietly, his prophecy having been fulfilled.

While campaigning for Raila Odinga as the best choice for the Kikuyu, he warned of Ruto’s onslaught in two years of his reign.

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