Meru Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have welcomed President William Ruto's decision to nominate Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to be the next Deputy President.

The more than 50 MCAs led by majority leader Patrick Mutuma, nominated MCA Mwenda Kiriinya, Mwenda Ali and Agnes Karimi said Prof Kindiki is a performer.

Mr Kiriinya said this Country is thirsty of a leader who can unite all its citizens and push for implementation of the Kenya Kwanza administration's manifesto.

"We need serious performers like Prof Kindiki. All opinion polls have ranked CS Kindiki on top of every other CS and possible contender for Deputy President pick and with a margin of 50 plus percent. Kenyans across the country want him. We also tell Kenyans we have a lot of confidence in him and are grateful for all Kenyans rallying support to Kindiki," Mr Kiriinya said.

He said almost all MPs and the majority of senators are routing for Kindiki to be the next Deputy President after the dramatic ouster of Mr Rigathi Gachagua.

DP nominee Kindiki was approved unanimously by the MPs who were present in the National Assembly on Friday, after which it was officially placed in the Gazette Notice. However, the court stopped any possible replacement of Mr Gachagua, until the matter his lawyers raised, is heard. The court will hear the matter on October 24, 2024.

"People have seen leadership qualities and he is able to be a symbol of unity. We thank the President for having nominated CS Kindiki to help him deliver on his mandate," Mr Kiriinya said.

Mr Mutuma said as Meru MCAs, they are united with one common goal to support the President and Prof Kindiki.

"In 2022 during the initial formation of the Kenya Kwanza coalition campaign trail, Prof Kindiki was the first priority pick but due to reasons not known, Mr Gachagua took over. Prof Kindiki is capable, and everyone wants him. He is also a son of the Mountain and he can play a great role in being the kingpin of the region for a peaceful country and enhancement of developments," Mr Mutuma said.

The CS has been receiving endorsements from all sectors including 48 Mt Kenya region MPs, women groups, a section of Mt Kenya region MCAs among others.

MCA Karimi--the Mbus Party nominated MCA--said the CS is not tribal, not corrupt, he fears God and is a great performer.

"Prof Kindiki is a national leader. Presidency is an entity entitled to be a symbol of national unity. We support MPs, his track record has proved his capability. He is development conscious and Kenya will be at peace," Ms Karimi said.

Prof Kindiki hails from the neighbouring Tharaka Nithi County.

There are rumours that he may be sworn in on Saturday (today) at Uhuru Gardens despite the court order. This however is a matter of wait-and-see as more drama unfolds.

Embattled Gachagua was hospitalised a few hours before the Senate on Thursday upheld MPs decision to impeach him.

His lawyers maintain that he was condemned unheard, something which they have told the court to consider.

On Friday, two High Court Judges, Chacha Mwita and Richard Mwongo, temporarily halted the appointment of Prof Kindiki to replace him (Gachagua) as DP.