Kindiki tops list of possible DP Gachagua's successors amid impeachment - TIFA poll

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua if the latter is impeached, according to a recent survey by TIFA Research.

The poll shows that 37 per cent of Kenyans nationally favour Kindiki as the next Deputy President should the impeachment of Gachagua proceed.

The survey, conducted between October 1 and 4, 2024, reveals strong support for Kindiki, particularly from the Mt. Kenya region, with 58 per cent of respondents in the area backing him as a possible replacement for Gachagua.

Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents from other regions supported this view.

“Most Kenyans expect Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy effected by the removal of the current DP should that occur, with such expectations considerably higher among the residents of the Mt. Kenya region itself,” reads the report.

The report however clarified that “the popularity of all such possible replacements for Gachagua was not measured in this survey.”

The research, which involved 1,892 respondents aged 18 and above, was conducted through telephone interviews and had a margin of error of +/- 2.25 per cent.

TIFA also noted that data was collected before the two days of public participation, which began on October 4.

Other candidates

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was ranked second in overall preference for the DP role, receiving support from five per cent of respondents, while Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro came in third, also with five per cent.

Other figures considered included Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru at three per cent and Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga at two per cent.

Meanwhile, 33 per cent of respondents said they were unsure who should succeed Gachagua, while four per cent believed President William Ruto should have the authority to choose a successor without external influence.

Despite the speculation surrounding the potential impeachment, Gachagua still holds considerable support in the Mt. Kenya region, where 46 per cent of residents feel he best represents their interests.

Nationally, 28 per cent of Kenyans share this sentiment, with 12 per cent citing Kindiki as the next best option for the region's representation.

“Notwithstanding his possible (if not likely) removal from office, DP Gachagua is perceived by most Kenyans as the leader who ‘best represents’ the Mt. Kenya region,” reads the report.

The report also notes that the impeachment process itself remains uncertain, with commentators offering several possible outcomes.

One scenario includes Gachagua resigning before a formal impeachment vote is taken, which would allow him to avoid being barred from holding future public office.

Another outcome could be the National Assembly failing to pass the motion, or the Senate rejecting it, with or without President Ruto's involvement.

The commentators have also overseen the possibility of the judiciary intervening and overturning the impeachment, which could lead to a re-introduction of the motion.

Gachagua is expected to appear before Parliament on October 8, 2024, either in person or through legal representation, to defend himself against the charges.

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who initiated the impeachment motion, has tabled 11 charges against the DP, including gross violations of the Constitution, misconduct, breaches of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, and the Leadership and Integrity Act.

A total of 291 Members of Parliament are currently backing the motion.