Laikipia Senator John Kinyua first casualty in purge of Gachagua allies in Parliament

Kinyua, who has served on the influential Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) for nearly two years, was reportedly forced to resign from his position last week under pressure from political forces.

When contacted for comment, Kinyua declined to provide details, offering only a cryptic response: “You live in this country and you know what is happening. I won’t say much for now, but I will issue a statement in due course,” he said.

Kinyua was among several Senators from the Mount Kenya region who opposed the impeachment of former DP Gachagua in the Senate. It is believed that lawmakers who resisted the motion are now facing retribution, with rumours swirling that they will be removed from key leadership positions in Parliamentary committees.

Kinyua’s replacement was swift, with the Senate approving Senator Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri) to take over his position on the PSC. Wamatinga, who voted in favour of Gachagua’s impeachment, is now benefiting from his stance.

Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyot, while moving the motion to approve Wamatinga’s appointment, emphasized the matter’s urgency. “This is a straightforward matter. We had already discussed the composition of our representatives on the PSC. Given that one of our colleagues has resigned, we are asking the house to approve Senator Wamatinga to replace him,” Cheruyot said.

The resignation and replacement of Kinyua are seen as part of a broader strategy to remove those who opposed Gachagua’s impeachment from powerful positions in Parliament. Rumours continue to swirl that more purges are on the horizon, with several lawmakers who opposed the former deputy president’s removal at risk of losing their leadership roles.

In the National Assembly, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, who chairs the Regional Integration Committee, acknowledged the ongoing political manoeuvring. Speaking on the floor of the House, she pointed out the challenges she faces, but emphasized that she remains in her position—for now.

“I see the majority leader laughing when I introduce myself as chair of the Regional Integration Committee. Even if there’s a plot to remove us, as of now, I’m still the chairperson,” Muhia said.

The ongoing developments signal that political rivalries and loyalty tests are playing out behind the scenes in Kenya's Parliament, as leaders align themselves with the new power dynamics following Gachagua’s impeachment.