The percentages against Kimani Ichungwah changing into deputy president

Kikuyu Member of Parliament and Majority Chief Anthony Kimani Ichungwah is being thought of as a doable alternative for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, if the Senate votes for his elimination.

However does Ichungwa stand an opportunity? What elements may work for or towards him?

Presently, Ichungwah holds vital affect because the highest-ranking Kenya Kwanza chief within the legislature.

Nevertheless, this energy is now seen as a possible legal responsibility, undermining his probabilities of changing into the subsequent DP.

The 48-year-old has lengthy been perceived as an in depth ally of President William Ruto. However with Gachagua’s impeachment stirring anger in components of the Mt. Kenya area, Ichungwa is dealing with political fallout.

A 3rd-term MP, Ichungwah has brazenly criticised Gachagua, straining his relationship with a few of his constituents.

Simply final weekend, he reaffirmed his help for the impeachment course of, saying throughout a public occasion, “Ninaenda kwa Nationwide Meeting kuhakikisha maneno ya impeachment imeisha ili tupate deputy president mwingine,” loosely translating to imply he intends to make sure the impeachment is finalised so Kenya can have a brand new DP.

College of Eldoret lecturer Philip Chebunet believes such remarks may harm Ichungwa’s prospects.

“Kimani Ichungwah’s abrasive nature and private assaults towards Rigathi Gachagua recommend he is perhaps fast to hunt revenge, which might be the other of what President Ruto desires in a alternative,” Chebunet mentioned.

Gachagua has confronted criticism for being vindictive, particularly towards areas that supported the opposition within the 2022 elections. Analysts like Chebunet consider Ruto might need to keep away from one other “combative” deputy.

Political analyst and communications marketing consultant Abdullahi Alas additionally doubts Ichungwah’s probabilities, rating him fourth amongst potential candidates. “With a Gikuyu being presumably eliminated as Deputy President, Ruto might shift focus to different Mt. Kenya communities, just like the Meru and Embu, which may sideline Ichungwa and others from the Gikuyu neighborhood,” Alas recommended.

Chebunet shares this view, noting that Ruto may select to show that the Deputy President place doesn’t must be stuffed by somebody from the Gikuyu neighborhood and even Mt. Kenya.

Political activist Chege Majuice presents a harsher evaluation, arguing that Ichungwah’s consideration for the function is extra of a comfort than a possibility for development.

In line with Majuice, “Ichungwa is seen as a person who sacrificed his personal for one more’s favor, making his political future unsure.” Majuice implies that the Kikuyu MP’s appointment if it occurs, could be extra of a gesture of gratitude from Ruto than a strategic transfer.

Nevertheless, political analyst Javas Bigambo sees it otherwise, suggesting that Ruto is free to nominate whomever he chooses, together with Ichungwah.

Whereas Bigambo acknowledges that Ichungwah has not proven sturdy efforts to construct consensus, significantly within the Mt. Kenya area, he believes his future may rely extra on his actions if he turns into deputy president than on his previous habits.

Monitor Document

Regardless of criticisms of vengefulness and being seen as a “gun for rent,” Ichungwah has a monitor report of searching for reconciliation.

He co-chaired the Nationwide Dialogue Committee alongside Wiper chief Kalonzo Musyoka, a task he may use to counter his critics if he’s thought of for the DP place.

Whether or not or not Ichungwah finally turns into the subsequent Deputy President ought to the Senate uphold Gachagua’s impeachment, he’s more likely to play a key function within the decision-making course of.

Because the highest-ranking MP in Kenya Kwanza, Ichungwah will seemingly be amongst these Ruto consults earlier than making a choice.

If he factors to himself, the licensed accountant, who as soon as ran a butchery, may obtain a political milestone few have reached.