As the push to ouster embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office through impeachment gathers steam with an ultimate vote to either send him back to his Wamunyoro rural home or grant him a new lease of life by the Senate vote after the National Assembly voted to send him packing, from what would set a precedent as first DP to be impeached, also race to succeed him has entered fever-pitch.
Although names of potential successors have been floated among them Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, insiders now contend that other considerations are on the table.
Amid intense political lobbying with key consideration being the vote rich Mt Kenya bloc, impeccable sources who spoke to The Informer Media Group and are privy with the high octane political gamble intimated that Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano’s name is on the table as a possible surprise candidate for DP post pick.
Although some are said consider her as a political novice, those pushing her candidature have fronted her competencies, credentials as a lawyer and technocrat in both the private and public sector alongside her demeanor as “a collected and sober” as a good pick for Gachagua’s successor should Senate uphold National Assembly’s decision to send the latter home.
“Contrary to expectations of many, CS Rebecca Miano could be the surprise candidate as Gachagua’s successor should his impeachment sail through. She hails from Nyandarua, an area in Mt Kenya region which is perceived as a peripheral zone of the larger Central Kenya region and has not had senior representation in successive administrations unlike Kiambu and Nyeri.” Our source intimated.
Miano previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry from October 2023 to July 2024.
However, during the recent cabinet reshuffle where she was initially omitted among the list of nominees, after being nominated for the post of the Attorney General, her name was not forwarded to the National Assembly.
The reason for this omission remains unclear, as no official communication has been issued regarding whether Miano’s nomination has been dropped or if she might be reassigned.
In an apparent reaction to the omission, Miano posted a message on her X account hours later stating, “When rumour mills are rolling, the well-advised stay still.” Miano posted on her X account.
However, she later made a comeback to cabinet in her current position.
Others whose names have been floated as potential successors include; National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East MP) and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Gachagua will know his fate on Thursday next week after the Senate fixed dates for investigating charges against him.
However, the Senate may extend the hearing to Friday depending on the evidence and the number of witnesses the parties would present.
Earlier this week, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi directed that the impeachment case be heard before the Senate plenary (whole House) on Wednesday and Thursday next week.