Kenyan Newspapers Review: Mudavadi, Kindiki Emerge as Frontrunners to Replace Gachagua as DP
On Monday, October 14, the national dailies widely reported on the race to replace Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua if the Senate impeaches him.
Top news in newspapers today: Photo: Daily Nation/The Standard.
Source: UGC
The dailies also reported ODM leader Raila Odinga's statement regarding the Adani Group multi-billion deals.
1. Daily Nation
The paper reported on the ongoing lobbying to replace Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in case the Senate impeached him.
So far, two senior Kenya Kwanza leaders have emerged as the front runners to replace the embattled DP.
A senior government official said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki are the ones being considered for the position.
Kindiki is currently given priority as President William Ruto looks to offer a lifeline to Mt Kenya MPs who voted to impeach Gachagua.
"The Interior CS, as the senior leader from Mt Kenya region, is best placed to replace Gachagua to pacify the region and try to offer a lifeline to the region's MPs who voted to send the DP home. Should Mt Kenya fail to secure the post, elected leaders from the region will face serious backlash from their electorate for persecuting their son (Gachagua) and failing to have one of their own replace him at the top," the government official said.
However, other quarters in the government are pushing for Mudavadi's appointment given his experience and being the executive's third most senior member.
"There are also other considerations on Mudavadi's candidacy. Those who favour him feel that as the third senior-most member of the executive with vast experience in government deserves elevation to the DP post," the source said.
The official said should Mudavadi get the slot, then Mt Kenya, preferably Kindiki, should be given the Prime Cabinet post and also retain his powerful interior docket
2. The Standard
The paper reported on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's stand regarding the proposed leasing of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Adani Group of India.
Speaking in Mombasa on Sunday, October 13, Raila strongly defended the Adani Group, emphasising the group's track record and ongoing interest in Kenya, which dates back to 2010.
?Adani is a credible partner and reputable company. They have proven their capabilities in projects that surpass what we have seen in East Africa," Raila said.
Despite Kenyans questioning the processes leading up to Adani's potential deal, the ODM leader defended the company's credibility, citing firsthand experience with their projects in India.
The former prime minister described a trip to Gujarat, where Adani had turned a swamp into a bustling port, power plant, and industrial hub.
3. Taifa Leo
The Swahili publication reported on the statement by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding his looming impeachment by the Senate.
Ahead of the Senate impeachment hearing, the second in command appeared unmoved, saying God would fight for him.
During a church service in Embu County on Sunday, October 13, the embattled second in command said he was not worried about his ongoing tribulations.
Gachagua, recently impeached by MPs and awaiting a decision from the Senate, said he has hopes that God will see him through his troubles.
While finding solace in the Bible, Gachagua said that humans can plan evil things about themselves, but God is their defender.
"Everything that is going on in Kenya. Don't worry; there's a God in heaven. We are believers, and we trust God, and God will do His will. Human beings can plan many things, but there's a God in heaven," Gachagua said.
4. The Star
Source: TUKO.co.ke
