Siaya Senator James Orengo is keen to initiate the impeachment of Deputy President William Ruto so that he takes over for the remaining term, an aide to Ruto has sensationally claimed.
Over the weekend, Orengo revealed his plans to have Ruto impeached over gross misconduct, a move that has elicited sharp debate across the political divide.
"The DP can also be removed for gross misconduct. The threshold for the removal of Deputy President on constitutional grounds is much lower than going through a criminal trial or prosecution,” Orengo said.
He added, “After his removal the President is allowed to appoint a new one with the approval of the National Assembly.”
Same sentiments were echoed by Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko who accused Ruto of deliberately undermining the DCI in the ongoing fight against corruption which has seen his side unleash on the top detective.
"Anyone who obstructs justice is committing a criminal offence. There is a need to move with haste and deal with Ruto for threatening institutions tasked with fighting graft,” he said.
But Emmanuel Talam, one of Ruto's communication strategists, said Orengo is plotting to deputise president Uhuru Kenyatta for the remaining term should the impeachment be successful.
"Am keen to know ODM's replacement for DP Ruto when they finally impeach him as planned. Am sure Orengo is a candidate @HonAdenDuale @kipmurkomen @OleItumbi," he tweeted.
For the DP to be impeached, two-thirds of MPs must back such a motion on parliament. The president has powers to appoint another person as his principal deputy in such a scenario.
The ODM party accused the DP of blackmail in the fight against graft, with Orengo insisting that Dr Ruto will stand trial in the Senate in the near future.