Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has shed light on his recent meeting with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga amid growing speculation that the agenda was linked to a possible replacement for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kang’ata, however, clarified that his meeting with Raila, which took place on the morning of October 16, 2024, focused on other matters.
“The Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Odinga invited me this morning for consultations. We had a good discussion on national cohesion and the progress we have made as a country under devolution,” Kang’ata wrote on X.
Gachagua’s replacement
Rumours swirled across social media, suggesting that Kang’ata had secured Raila’s endorsement as a candidate to become Deputy President if Gachagua is ousted by the Senate.
The speculation followed comments made by Kang’ata on October 13, 2024, when he acknowledged hearing his name mentioned among potential replacements for Gachagua.
Speaking on a local TV show, Kang’ata explained that the news caught him off guard while he was involved in distributing fertilizer and maize to Murang’a farmers ahead of the short rains.
He described hearing his name floated as a possible Deputy President candidate as humbling.
“The news came in at a time when we were distributing fertilizer and maize to our 57,000 farmers in anticipation of the short rains which commence in mid-October; and therefore, it was quite humbling. I saw my name being floated around,” Kang’ata stated.
Despite the attention, Kang’ata stressed the importance of letting the legal and political processes unfold.
“It is sub judice for me to speak deeply on the issue because there are court cases, and the Senate is still considering it. It is the president’s discretion, and fairness demands that he makes the decision,” Kang’ata noted.
Opinion poll
A recent survey by Infotrak, conducted on October 9, 2024, revealed that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki is the frontrunner to replace Gachagua, should the Senate uphold the impeachment motion.
Kindiki garnered 20% of respondents support, while Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi each secured 5%.
Other notable contenders included Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, with 4% each.
Interestingly, only 2% of respondents in the survey favoured Raila Odinga as a potential successor to Gachagua, while Kang’ata himself was not mentioned as a top contender.
