The president's allies in parliament have accused Gachagua of undermining the government, promoting ethnically divisive politics, having a role in fuelling the deadly protests that rocked the country in June, and of being involved in corruption.

Mr Gachagua acknowledged the loyalty many in the region still feel toward Mr Kenyatta, expressing regret over the 2022 elections when a significant portion of the Mt Kenya electorate did not heed Mr Kenyatta's advice to back opposition leader Raila Odinga.

“This is not a gig, we are looking for a pointsman, someone to lead us in the bigger battle of prosperity. Prosperity comes from African economic integration,” Museveni said.