Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (left), former Tana Water Works Development Agency chairman James Wanyaga Gathaka and ex-Kalro chairman Peter Weru.
Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Nyeri County who had landed plum government jobs have been shown the door as President William Ruto intensifies the purge of perceived sympathisers of his estranged principal assistant.
The latest high-profile figures on the chopping board are Tana Water Works Development Agency chairman James Wanyaga Gathaka and former Mathira MP Peter Weru, chairman of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation.
The axe fell on the pair through gazette notices signed by President Ruto, who revoked their appointments and replaced them with individuals from the same county.
Mr Gathaka, a former Nyeri Town mayor, was replaced by Nyeri businessman Teobald Mukundi Wambugu from Othaya sub-County, while Mr Weru was replaced by Nyeri businessman-cum politician Thuo Mathenge.
According to a gazette notice dated November 15, 2024, Mr Wambugu will serve for seven months until July 4, 2025, while Dr Mathenge will serve for three years.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (3) of the State Corporations Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, appoint Teobald Mukundi Wambugu to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Tana Water Works Development Agency, with effect from the 15th November 2024 to the 4th July 2025. The appointment of James Gathaka Wanyaga is revoked,” the notice reads in part.
Critics say the Ruto administration is targeting Gachagua’s sympathisers in the impending bloodbath that could trigger further discord in the ruling coalition, with a senior Kenya Kwanza official familiar with the happenings saying that plans are afoot to sack more key allies of the former DP and appoint those “friendly” to the government.
“President Ruto’s allies have orchestrated a ruthless purge targeting Gachagua's allies which is already happening in Parliament and State corporations. They accuse them of undermining Ruto's leadership,” an official familiar with the development told Nation. Africa in confidence.
Immediately after his appointment was revoked, Mr Gathaka who had served for 21 months wrote a letter of “gratitude” to the President, but which was tinged with bitterness, reminding him that his appointment was a product of a “vigorous campaign” that enabled him (Ruto) to ascend to the presidency.
“Your Excellency, may I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for having given me the opportunity to serve the residents of Mt Kenya region as chairman of Tana Water Works Development Agency,” Mr Gathaka says in the letter seen by Nation.Africaand dated November 16, 2024.
“I take pride in the knowledge that the appointment was a culmination of my efforts in the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance recruitment drive and subsequent vigorous campaign for your ascendance to the Presidency with your former Deputy H.E. Rigathi Gachagua.”
Mr Weru, who hails from the same Ruguru Ward as Mr Gachagua, said he was sacked because of his close association with the former deputy president.
“The revocation of my appointment is political. When you are appointed to serve for four years then you are sacked after serving for only one year, this is not normal. Anyone perceived to be associated with the former DP is being victimised," he said.
Mr Weru was the MP for Mathira between 2013 and 2017, before being defeated by Mr Gachagua.
He bounced back into active politics in 2022 after a five-year hiatus and briefly campaigned for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga before he was poached by the United Democratic Alliance team, led by Mr Gachagua, to campaign for Dr Ruto. He was reportedly promised an appointment in government.
Speaking to Nation. Africa, Mr Wambugu who took over from Mr Gathaka said he was happy to be appointed to be as the new chairman of the water corporation. He was, however, quick to add that he did not believe the appointment had anything to do with politics.
“I feel honoured by this appointment…I know I’m not the best but I believe I have what it takes to run this corporation. I can’t say this is a political appointment because I’m not a politician. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business management,” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Dr Mathenge who replaced Mr Weru were futile as he didn’t respond to our calls. Dr Mathenge has unsuccessfully vied for the Nyeri gubernatorial seat in three consecutive elections.
