This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita is embroiled in a bitter power struggle at State House, with reports suggesting that the simmering succession wars are linked to the expected departure of Head of Civil Service Joseph Kinyua in January.
According to sources, Kinyua's planned exit has sparked a feud that pits Waita against power brokers who want to keep the influential position in Central.
Waita has been absent from office for the past two weeks and has not accompanied the President on several occasions, sparking concerns about his future at State House.
State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua and Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho are among those who have fallen out with Waita, with Kibicho expressing frustration at being dragged into every feud in Government.
When contacted, State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena-Mararo said she was not aware of the developments, adding that she was not the appointing authority.
Waita's troubles began when the Presidential Delivery Unit was moved from his docket to the Interior Ministry under Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i in an Executive Order in August.
The move was seen as a demotion for Waita, who had been at the centre of key decisions since joining the Government in 2016.
Another accusation against Waita is that he is influencing top appointments, with critics pointing at Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai and others from his Ukambani backyard.
