Will History Repeat? Gachagua Warns Kindiki of Imminent Ouster.

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stark warning to his successor, Kithure Kindiki, stating that he will be shown the door should he challenge the powers above him once he assumes office. Kindiki, who President William Ruto nominated as his deputy following Gachagua’s ouster by both the National Assembly and the Senate, has yet to take office due to court orders blocking his swearing-in, pending the hearing and determination of cases challenging the impeachment.

Speaking on Sunday after being discharged from Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he was admitted during the Senate vote to oust him, Gachagua dismissed his removal from office as a “charade.” He elaborated on his perspective, underscoring his belief that his impeachment was orchestrated for political control.

“The charade we are being treated to is getting rid of an elected deputy president and appointing a control freak,” he told a press conference. Gachagua, who argues he is being persecuted for speaking truth to power, described Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki as a meek professional who “cannot ask a question” or “say anything.”

“I am sure if he succeeds, he will be asked to sign an undated resignation letter so that if he starts asking questions, he can be told to resign,” he warned.

This sense of betrayal was compounded by alarming incidents Gachagua described, indicating his safety was under threat. He accused President Ruto of betrayal and claimed there were two assassination attempts on him before the impeachment was tabled in Parliament.

“I don’t feel safe. On August 30, undercover police agents in Kisumu entered my room, and one of them tried to poison my food, but we detected it and were able to escape. I was supposed to be killed through poisoning,” claimed Gachagua.

“On September 3rd in Nyeri, NIS (National Intelligence Service) officers came to Nyeri and tried to poison food belonging to me and Kikuyu elders. I reported the matter to NIS and asked the officers assigned to my office to leave. After attempts to assassinate me failed, this impeachment motion was hatched.”

He expressed disbelief at the actions of Ruto, stating he never thought the man he “helped to be President” could turn against him.

Currently, the High Court has issued orders barring Kindiki from assuming the DP’s office pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by David Munyi Mathenge and Peter Kamotho, which are deemed of “great national importance and urgency.” The court directed that the file be forwarded to Chief Justice Martha Koome to appoint a bench of High Court judges to handle the case.

Additionally, the High Court suspended the Senate resolution to uphold Gachagua’s impeachment motion. Justice Chacha Mwita stated that Gachagua’s petition raised pertinent issues of law and public interest, issuing a conservatory order staying the impeachment’s implementation—including the appointment of Gachagua’s replacement—until October 24, when the matter will be mentioned.

As the political drama unfolds, the question remains: can Kindiki navigate this treacherous terrain, or will he succumb to the same fate as Gachagua?

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.