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In a dramatic turn of events, a group of Mt. Kenya MPs who had previously been staunch defenders of ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have now switched sides, supporting the installation of his successor, Kithure Kindiki. This unexpected shift has raised questions about the sincerity of their earlier positions, with accusations of betrayal emerging among constituents.
The MPs, including Wakili Mureu (Gatanga), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo), Peter Kihungi (Kangema), and Chege Njuguna (Kandara), had been vocal in their opposition to Gachagua’s impeachment, portraying themselves as loyal defenders of Mt. Kenya’s interests. However, just 24 hours after the Senate upheld the impeachment, they joined a majority in Parliament to approve Kindiki as the new Deputy President.
According to Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, the vote to approve Kindiki was conducted manually, with 236 MPs voting in favor of the motion, and no abstentions or opposition. Kindiki is set to be sworn in on Saturday at Uhuru Gardens, marking a new chapter in Kenya’s leadership.
The swift about-face by the pro-Gachagua MPs has left many puzzled, with constituents questioning whether their initial support for the ousted Deputy President was genuine or merely a political maneuver. The move has been described by some as an attempt to “hoodwink the masses,” casting doubt on the lawmakers’ intentions and their commitment to the Mt. Kenya region.
The impeachment of Gachagua, which had been a contentious issue, saw the Mt. Kenya MPs initially presenting a united front, decrying the move as a blow to the region’s political clout. However, their quick shift to endorse Kindiki has led to accusations of hypocrisy, with some critics suggesting that the MPs may have prioritized political expediency over loyalty.
For many observers, this reversal has called into question the integrity of these lawmakers, who had painted themselves as steadfast allies of Gachagua. “What will they tell Wanjiku (the common citizen) on the ground?” asked a political analyst. “They claimed to be against the ouster, yet they have rubber-stamped it by supporting his replacement. It’s a contradiction, a complete turnaround that leaves them with egg on their face.”
The approval of Kindiki by the same MPs who once resisted Gachagua’s impeachment underscores the complexities of political allegiances in Kenya. For some, it is a sign that these politicians may have been playing both sides, maintaining a facade of loyalty while preparing to align themselves with the winning camp. Others suggest it reflects broader strategic realignments within Mt. Kenya politics.
As Kindiki prepares to take office, the focus now shifts to how he will navigate the delicate political landscape, especially with the knowledge that his installation was backed by figures who had previously opposed the process that led to his predecessor’s downfall. For the MPs, regaining the trust of their constituents may prove to be a more daunting task than their recent political maneuvering.
