Nairobi, Kenya – August 21, 2024: The political storm within Kenya’s government took a dramatic turn as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed two of his top aides, adding fuel to the fire of speculated rifts with President William Ruto. The sudden firings, which occurred on Tuesday, August 20, have sent shockwaves through political circles, with many questioning the true motives behind the move.
Top Aides Out: Who’s Next?
Martha Miano, Deputy Director of Public Communications, and Francis Ngotho Maina, Gachagua’s Personal Assistant, were the first to go. According to termination letters obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, both aides are set to leave office by October 20. Officially, their dismissal was due to “incompetence,” but insiders hint at something far more sinister. The rumor mill is buzzing with allegations that their loyalty to President Ruto may have played a crucial role in their ousting.
This development follows on the heels of rumors that Gachagua’s office has been infiltrated by spies, further complicating the already tense atmosphere within the Deputy President’s inner circle. The firings appear to be part of a broader purge as Gachagua tightens his grip on those closest to him, amid fears that some may be working against him.
The Plot Thickens: Gachagua’s Inner Circle Under Siege
The timing of these dismissals is no coincidence. Just weeks ago, Cleophas Malala, a key ally of Gachagua, was ousted from his position, sparking talk of a potential impeachment plot against the Deputy President. While these claims remain unproven, they add to the sense of paranoia surrounding Gachagua’s camp.
In the midst of this turmoil, three of Gachagua’s allies have been subjected to intense scrutiny by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). They were questioned over alleged involvement in funding anti-government protests that led to the deaths of at least 61 people. These investigations have only deepened the rift between Gachagua and President Ruto, as tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) continue to rise.
An Assassination Attempt and Accusations Fly
As if the political landscape wasn’t volatile enough, Gachagua recently dropped a bombshell during an interview with Kikuyu media. He claimed that one of his aides, Patrick Gikonyo, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in July. According to Gachagua, a gunman on a motorbike fired at Gikonyo’s vehicle on Suguta Road in Nairobi, shattering the driver’s window and grazing Gikonyo’s hand. The attack, Gachagua alleges, is part of a broader scheme to destabilize his position.
Gikonyo, who previously served as Nairobi County’s head of intelligence, is one of 13 operatives that Gachagua claims were controversially redeployed from the National Intelligence Service (NIS). In his interview, the Deputy President didn’t hold back in his criticism of the NIS, accusing the agency of engaging in political manoeuvring against him. He further revealed that he had informed President Ruto of the alleged misuse of state security agencies to undermine his authority.
What’s Next for Gachagua?
As the dust settles from this latest shake-up, all eyes are on Deputy President Gachagua. With his top aides dismissed and his political allies under investigation, Gachagua’s next moves will be critical in determining his future within the government. Will he manage to consolidate his power, or will the cracks within his camp continue to widen, leading to a full-blown political crisis?
One thing is certain: the drama within Kenya’s government is far from over. As Gachagua fights to maintain his position, the tension between him and President Ruto continues to build, leaving the country’s political landscape more unpredictable than ever.
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