CS Kindiki preferred candidate to replace Gachagua as DP- InfoTrak

A new poll by InfoTrak indicates that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki is the top choice for Deputy President, should Rigathi Gachagua be impeached.

According to the survey released on Friday, 20 per cent of respondents preferred Kindiki for the role, citing his experience and track record as key reasons for their support.

The report highlighted that support for the Interior Cabinet Secretary was particularly strong in the Rift Valley, Eastern and Nairobi regions.

Following Kindiki, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi each garnered 5 per cent support.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro were next, both with 4 per cent, while former Prime Minister Raila Odinga received 2 per cent.

This survey aligns with a recent Tifa poll, which also showed CS Kindiki as the preferred candidate to replace Gachagua, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region, where he was favoured by 58 per cent of respondents compared to 30 per cent from other areas.

The survey, conducted on October 9, 2024, included 1,000 participants from across all 47 counties.

Gachagua impeachment

In a historic move on Tuesday, 281 Members of Parliament voted to impeach DP Gachagua, surpassing the required two-thirds majority set by the Constitution.

The impeachment motion, spearheaded by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, accused the Deputy President of numerous violations, including breaches of the Constitution, discriminatory public statements, and undermining the presidency.

In total, 44 MPs voted against the impeachment motion, while one MP abstained from the vote.

The Senate on Wednesday resolved to try DP Gichagua through plenary.

This is after Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyiot's proposal for an 11-member special committee to hear the impeachment trial against the DP failed to get a seconder.

The Deputy President and the National Assembly are expected to file their responses with the Clerk's office by 5 pm on Monday, October 14, 2024.

In addition, Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi announced that the trial to be heard next week on Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17, 2024.