Atwoli addresses possibility of replacing Gachagua

By Peter Ochieng

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has spoken about the possibility of replacing Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua, the Deputy President was impeached by Members of Parliament on Tuesday night.

If the Senate upholds his impeachment, President William Ruto will have to nominate another person to deputise him, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Some leaders have been singled out as possible Gachagua successors, including Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Professor Abraham Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Kiharu MP, Samson Ndindi Nyoro.

Atwoli in a statement on Wednesday said he is not interested in the Deputy President’s position, if Gachagua is sent home.

“Those people who are busy peddling rumours under some unknown research document, on who should be considered for DP from Western Kenya, should stop and forget such unprocessed thoughts. The luhyas have known leaders, in government, who represent the community ably. I am a trade unionist, period. And I do not desire any other elective or appointive seat,” he stated.

“If there is anything coming for the Luhya community, we have known political leaders who speak for the community politically and represent us in government. I am just an elder and advisor.”

Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula are the two senior most politicians from Western, currently in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

His post attracted various reactions from his followers and critics alike. Here is a sample:

Joseph Barasa: DP for now isn't a priority Katibu. We must first demand to know the whereabouts of our 30%. Can't wait to see our sugarcane farming shine and also have the 1000 km of road done in Western.

Engineer Ochy: Unprocessed thoughts.

Noah Asaka: You should be impeached. You are a national trade unionist speaking about a single tribe as per ground number 4 of Gachagua Vs Parliament.

Gachagua’s fate now lies with the Senate.