As President William Ruto intensifies his purge of allies linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua within both government and parliament, political manoeuvring has escalated. With various influential positions expected to become vacant, politicians are lobbying to fill these roles. At least 300 employees hired on contract during Gachagua’s tenure at Harambee House Annex have begun receiving dismissal notices. Those already affected have confirmed to us that their contracts were terminated, with officials citing that their services were no longer needed.
In October, 108 officers working in Gachagua’s office were placed on compulsory leave, with letters signed by Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi. This move is part of the broader effort to dismantle Gachagua’s network within the system.
In the National Assembly, the race for the chairmanship of the Budget and Appropriations Committee is heating up, following reports that Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who currently holds the position, may be replaced. Sources indicate that President Ruto is unhappy with Nyoro’s neutral stance during Gachagua’s impeachment process, which was largely driven by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa.
This fallout has paved the way for potential leadership changes in the committee, which plays a crucial role in determining the government’s financial strategy. Two names have emerged as front-runners: Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, a first-term MP who initiated the impeachment motion against Gachagua, and Molo MP Kuria Kimani, who chairs the Finance Committee.
While Mutuse is seen as a deserving candidate due to his role in Gachagua’s historic impeachment, some of Ruto’s allies are advocating for Kimani’s appointment to soothe tensions in the Mt. Kenya region following Gachagua’s exit. Should Kimani take the position, Mutuse may be considered for the chairmanship of the Roads and Transport Committee, currently held by Ndia MP George Kariuki Macharia, who is seen as a Gachagua ally.
Several other MPs are also facing uncertainty as Ruto continues to remove Gachagua loyalists from key positions, including Gathoni Wamuchomba (Constitutional Implementation), James Gakuya (Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives), Nimrod Mbai (Public Petitions), Vincent Musyoka Musau (Energy), Kareke Mbiuki (Tourism and Wildlife), Wanjiku Muhia (Regional Integration), and Johana Ng’eno (Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works).
In the Senate, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has already been replaced by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga following a motion spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot. Wamatinga’s support for Gachagua’s impeachment made him a key figure in Ruto’s reshuffle, with the move seen as a strategic replacement of Gachagua’s allies.
