NAIROBI, Kenya – Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has resigned from his position as a commissioner in the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), signaling the start of what appears to be a political purge targeting allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has nominated Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga to replace Kinyua in the powerful parliamentary oversight body.
A Supplementary Order Paper for the Senate’s session on November 19, 2024, includes a motion to formalize Wamatinga’s appointment.
The motion reads:
“That, pursuant to the provisions of Article 127(2)(c)(i) of the Constitution, the Senate approves the nomination of Senator Wahome Wamatinga, MP, for appointment to the Parliamentary Service Commission to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Senator John Nderitu Kinyua.”
Kinyua’s resignation comes amid increasing signs of a fallout within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, as leaders aligned with Gachagua face mounting pressure.
Sources within the coalition suggest that the leadership is targeting lawmakers who supported Gachagua during the contentious impeachment motion earlier this year.
The alleged purge is expected to extend beyond Kinyua, with several committee chairs in the Senate reportedly in the crosshairs.
Among those said to be under threat are senators Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), John Methu (Nyandarua), James Murango (Kirinyaga), Kanar Seki (Kajiado), and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a).
These senators hold influential roles, chairing key Senate committees on roads, lands, agriculture, trade, and education.
Their removal could deepen divisions within the ruling coalition.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has publicly acknowledged the looming threat of removal but struck a defiant tone.
Speaking last month, Thang’wa stated, “We have been threatened and told that we are going to be removed from chairmanship. Bring it on. I was elected by the people of Kiambu, not for the chairs inside Parliament.”
Thang’wa attributed the targeting to his committee’s scrutiny of controversial government policies, including the leasing of state properties.
He highlighted ongoing investigations into the Adani Group’s involvement in public infrastructure projects as a potential reason for the backlash.
“If they are to remove us for standing with justice, so be it. I remain the senator of Kiambu,” Thang’wa said.
This political reshuffling could exacerbate tensions in the ruling coalition as allies of Gachagua accuse UDA’s top leadership of stifling dissent and marginalizing regions perceived as loyal to the former deputy president.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has nominated Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga to replace Kinyua in the powerful parliamentary oversight body.
A Supplementary Order Paper for the Senate’s session on November 19, 2024, includes a motion to formalize Wamatinga’s appointment.
The motion reads:
“That, pursuant to the provisions of Article 127(2)(c)(i) of the Constitution, the Senate approves the nomination of Senator Wahome Wamatinga, MP, for appointment to the Parliamentary Service Commission to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Senator John Nderitu Kinyua.”
Kinyua’s resignation comes amid increasing signs of a fallout within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, as leaders aligned with Gachagua face mounting pressure.
Sources within the coalition suggest that the leadership is targeting lawmakers who supported Gachagua during the contentious impeachment motion earlier this year.
The alleged purge is expected to extend beyond Kinyua, with several committee chairs in the Senate reportedly in the crosshairs.
Among those said to be under threat are senators Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), John Methu (Nyandarua), James Murango (Kirinyaga), Kanar Seki (Kajiado), and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a).
These senators hold influential roles, chairing key Senate committees on roads, lands, agriculture, trade, and education.
Their removal could deepen divisions within the ruling coalition.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has publicly acknowledged the looming threat of removal but struck a defiant tone.
Speaking last month, Thang’wa stated, “We have been threatened and told that we are going to be removed from chairmanship. Bring it on. I was elected by the people of Kiambu, not for the chairs inside Parliament.”
Thang’wa attributed the targeting to his committee’s scrutiny of controversial government policies, including the leasing of state properties.
He highlighted ongoing investigations into the Adani Group’s involvement in public infrastructure projects as a potential reason for the backlash.
“If they are to remove us for standing with justice, so be it. I remain the senator of Kiambu,” Thang’wa said.
This political reshuffling could exacerbate tensions in the ruling coalition as allies of Gachagua accuse UDA’s top leadership of stifling dissent and marginalizing regions perceived as loyal to the former deputy president.
