The Kenya Kwanza administration faces a significant internal rift following reports of a planned impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Accusations against Gachagua include insubordination, undermining the presidency, and inciting revolt against the government.
On Tuesday, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa emphasized that President William Ruto must defend his deputy. Thangwa stated that Ruto’s continued silence on the matter could be interpreted as support for the alleged impeachment. Speaking on Inooro FM, Thangwa reminded the president of the Mt Kenya region’s unwavering support for his presidential bid, especially during the onslaught by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. Thangwa’s remarks highlight the significant political debt the region feels it has paid and the expectations for reciprocation from the president.
The brewing conflict between President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua has extended to the ruling party, where Secretary General Cleophas Malala is also facing pressure. Malala, perceived as an ally of Gachagua, is now under scrutiny as the hunt for Gachagua’s supporters intensifies. Despite Malala’s assertion that the party had not met to discuss or resolve to impeach Gachagua, the turmoil within the party suggests otherwise. Malala warned that focusing on impeachment would be detrimental to the country’s service delivery and social-political stability, especially in the aftermath of recent unrest.
Nevertheless, sources indicate that Malala’s position is at risk due to his perceived allegiance to Gachagua. The party leadership aims to replace him with a more compliant individual who would not obstruct the political maneuvers of the Kenya Kwanza administration. On Tuesday, a group claiming to be founding members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announced Malala’s ousting as Secretary General. The group, led by chairperson Joe Khalende, declared that Malala had been unseated and that Khalende would assume the role of Secretary General.
Khalende addressed the press at the UDA headquarters, asserting that Malala had aligned himself with the opposition by supporting an agenda contrary to the ruling party’s objectives. “We are here to confirm that Cleophas Malala is no longer the Secretary General of the UDA party because he has joined our opponents by supporting an agenda that contradicts the ruling party and has gone against our party leader by opposing the formation of a broad-based government,” Khalende stated.
This internal strife within the Kenya Kwanza administration and the ruling party underscores the challenges President Ruto faces in maintaining unity and coherence within his government. The accusations against Gachagua and the subsequent power struggles within the party highlight deeper fissures that could threaten the administration’s stability and effectiveness. The Mt Kenya region’s political dynamics add another layer of complexity, given its significant role in the electoral success of President Ruto.
As the situation unfolds, the Kenya Kwanza administration must navigate these turbulent waters carefully to avoid further divisions and ensure that the focus remains on governance and service delivery. The potential impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua and the reshuffling within the party leadership could have far-reaching implications for the administration’s future and its ability to deliver on its promises to the Kenyan people. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the administration can overcome these internal challenges and maintain a united front in the face of growing political pressure.
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