Laikipia Senator John Kinyua is the first major casualty as the purge against loyalist allied to impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua begin in the bicameral House, both the Senate and the National Assembly.
Kinyua his resignation, Kinyua served as a Commissioner in the influential Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) for nearly two years.
Reports indicate that he was forced to resign.
However, when contacted by The Informer Media Group for comment, he was not immediately reachable.
He was swiftly replaced with Nyeri Senator and former Gachagua’s confidant turned arch-rival Wahome Wamatinga and his approval was hurriedly processed by the Senate to take over as Kinyua’s replacement at the PSC.
Wamatinga who voted in favour of Gachagua’s impeachment.
Kinyua was among several Senators from the Mount Kenya region who opposed the impeachment of Gachagua in the Senate.
It is believed that lawmakers who resisted the motion are now facing retribution, with rumours swirling that they will be removed from key leadership positions in Parliamentary committees.
Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, while moving the motion to approve Wamatinga’s appointment, emphasised the matter’s urgency.
“This is a straightforward matter. We had already discussed the composition of our representatives on the PSC. Given that one of our colleagues has resigned, we are asking the house to approve Senator Wamatinga to replace him.” Cheruiyot said.
A Supplementary Order Paper of the Senate for November 19, 2024, has lined up a Motion on the appointment of a Member of Parliament to Parliamentary Service Commission.
“That, pursuant to the provisions of Article 127(2)(c)(i) of the Constitution, the Senate approves the nomination of Senator Wahome Wamatinga, MP, for appointment to the Parliamentary Service Commission to fill the vacancy occasion by the resignation of Senator John Nderitu Kinyua.” The Supplementary Order Paper read.
The Kenya Kwanza leadership is reportedly targeting Gachagua’s sympathisers in the impending purge that could trigger further discord in the ruling coalition.
The axe is targeting Gachagua’s allies in the Senate and the National Assembly.
In the National Assembly, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, who chairs the Regional Integration Committee, acknowledged the ongoing political manoeuvring. Speaking on the floor of the House, she pointed out the challenges she faces, but emphasized that she remains in her position—for now.
“I see the majority leader laughing when I introduce myself as chair of the Regional Integration Committee. Even if there’s a plot to remove us, as of now, I’m still the chairperson.” Muhia said.
The ongoing developments signal that political rivalries and loyalty tests are playing out behind the scenes in Kenya’s Parliament, as leaders align themselves with the new power dynamics following Gachagua’s impeachment.
Those facing the axe include senators Thang’wa, John Methu (Nyandarua), James Murango (Kirinyaga), Kanar Seki (Kajiado) and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a).
Thang’wa chairs the Senate roads, transportation and housing committee, Methu is the chairman of the lands, water and natural resources team, while Murango is in charge of the agriculture committee.
Seki chairs the trade and industrialisation committee while Nyutu chairs the education committee.
Last month, Thang’wa confirmed the plot to oust them.
“We have been threatened and told that we are going to be removed from chairmanship. Bring it on. I was elected by the people of Kiambu. They never knew there were chairs inside Parliament.” Thang’wa said.
He said some of them have been targeted for their firm position against some government policies, including leasing out state properties.
