Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has become the first high-profile casualty in what appears to be a political purge targeting allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Parliament. Kinyua, who had served on the influential Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) for nearly two years, reportedly stepped down from his position last week under mounting political pressure.
When reached for comment, Kinyua remained tight-lipped, offering only a vague remark: “You live in this country and you know what is happening. I won’t say much for now, but I will issue a statement in due course.”
Kinyua’s removal is believed to stem from his opposition to Gachagua’s impeachment in the Senate. Several lawmakers from the Mount Kenya region who resisted the impeachment motion are rumored to be facing political repercussions, including removal from key leadership positions in parliamentary committees.
His replacement was swift. The Senate approved Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga to take over Kinyua’s seat on the PSC. Wamatinga, who supported Gachagua’s impeachment, appears to be reaping the rewards of aligning with the prevailing political winds.
Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyot, while tabling the motion to confirm Wamatinga’s appointment, underscored its urgency. “This is a straightforward matter. We had already deliberated on our representatives to the PSC. Since one of our colleagues has resigned, we ask the house to approve Senator Wamatinga as his replacement,” Cheruyot stated.
Kinyua’s removal and Wamatinga’s appointment are part of a broader strategy to marginalize lawmakers who resisted Gachagua’s impeachment. Speculation is rife that more lawmakers who opposed the former deputy president could soon be removed from powerful positions within Parliament.
The realignment isn’t limited to the Senate. In the National Assembly, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, who chairs the Regional Integration Committee, acknowledged the political maneuvering while asserting her continued role. “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,” she stated during a session.
These developments underscore the intense political rivalries and loyalty tests reshaping Kenya’s parliamentary leadership. As power dynamics shift following Gachagua’s impeachment, the battle for influence and alignment with the new order continues to unfold behind the scenes.
