Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has axed two of his key aides, sparking fresh speculation over deepening divisions within Kenya kwanza leadership.
The decision, executed on Tuesday, August 20, led to the removal of Deputy Director of Public Communications Martha Miano and Personal Assistant Francis Ngotho Maina.
According to termination letters obtained by leaked.co.ke, both are slated to vacate their roles by October 20.
While official sources cited incompetence as the reason for their dismissal, insiders suggest a more intricate scenario.
There are claims that the aides’ allegiance to President William Ruto contributed to their firing, raising concerns among political pundits.
This shake-up follows recent rumors of espionage within Gachagua’s office, heightening intrigue surrounding the Deputy President’s inner circle.
In a letter to Francis Ngotho Maina, the DP’s office referred to the Local Agreement Form (Revised 2017), stating, “The Government may at any time determine the engagement of the person engaged by giving him/her two (2) months’ notice in writing, or paying him/her two (2) months’ salary instead of notice.” The letter further indicated that Maina would receive his full compensation and service gratuity up to October 19.
Martha Miano received a similar notice, with the same contractual clause cited as the basis for her dismissal.
Both letters detailed the terms of their exit, including a prorated service gratuity of 31% of their basic salary.
This abrupt move coincides with rising tensions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Earlier this month, Cleophas Malala, a staunch ally of Gachagua, was unexpectedly removed from his post.
Malala alleges his dismissal is part of a broader scheme to pave the way for an impeachment motion against Gachagua a claim that remains unverified but has fueled the political theater.
Adding to Gachagua’s challenges, three of his close associates have recently been interrogated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The trio was questioned regarding their alleged role in funding anti-government protests that led to the deaths of at least 61 people.
These escalating tensions have further strained Gachagua’s already tenuous relationship with President Ruto.
Gachagua’s interview with Kikuyu media earlier this month only intensified the situation.
The Deputy President alleged that one of his aides, Patrick Gikonyo, narrowly survived an assassination attempt in July.
Gachagua claimed that Gikonyo escaped with minor injuries when a gunman on a motorbike shot at his vehicle, shattering the driver’s window and grazing his right hand.
The incident reportedly occurred on Suguta Road in Nairobi as Gikonyo was returning home from a hotel in Kileleshwa.
Gikonyo, a former head of intelligence for Nairobi County, is among the 13 operatives Gachagua claims were controversially reassigned from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
In his interview, Gachagua didn’t mince words, accusing the NIS of engaging in political scheming against him.
He further asserted that he had informed President Ruto of alleged attempts by state security agencies to settle political scores and weaken his position.
Efforts to reach the two dismissed aides for comment before publication were unsuccessful.
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