Oscar Sudi Distances Himself from DP Gachagua's Replacement Race

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has denied reports linking him to the race to succeed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua's fate now lies with the Senate, which will examine him on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17.

This was after he was impeached in the National Assembly, where 282 lawmakers voted to send him home after being accused of, among others, abuse of office, corruption allegations and sabotaging President William Ruto's administration.

Sudi flagged as fake a digital card purported to be from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party which indicated that he was eyeing the deputy president's post.

It had been indicated that Sudi's ambition was endorsed by the Mt Kenya region.

In a tweet, the lawmaker denounced the assertion.

Sudi's take came days after COTU Boss Francis Atwoli refuted reports that he is being considered as a possible replacement for Gachagua.

In a statement dated Wednesday, October 9, the trade unionist stated that he was not interested in any elective or appointive position in government.

He acknowledged that there were rumours and research indicating that he would be considered for the job once Gachagua's impeachment is completed.

"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," read the statement in part.

"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."

Meanwhile, Sudi is on record hinting that President Ruto will pick his next deputy from the Mt Kenya region.

In a statement on his social media handles on Wednesday, October 2, Sudi explained that the vote region was among the cornerstones of the Ruto administration.

Ruto's ally reiterated that those within the government did not have a problem with the region despite the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"There's no doubt Murima is at the core of this government. No one has an issue with the majority of leaders from the mountain, save for one ill-behaved character," he stated.

"Even his replacement will surely come from the mountain. Sure bet."

Among the top guns being projected to succeed Gachagua include Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, Murang'a governor Irungu Kangata and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.