PM Rabuka declares Kamikamica his political heir after Cabinet return
PM says former deputy prime minister will be sworn back into Cabinet today after acquittal.
Tuesday 04 August 2026 | 09:30
Manoa Kamikamica (third from left) celebrates with friends, family and supporters outside the Suva Magistrate Court on August 3, 2026, after he was cleared of all charges–perjury and providing false information.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has publicly declared Manoa Kamikamica as his political "heir" while confirming the former deputy prime minister will return to Cabinet and resume his role as Deputy Prime Minister following his acquittal.
Mr Rabuka said Mr Kamikamica would be sworn in today after the ceremony was delayed by one day.
"He'll go back as Deputy Prime Minister," Mr Rabuka said.
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He said Mr Kamikamica was likely to be assigned a portfolio closely aligned with his experience in commerce, trade and communications.
The Prime Minister said Mr Kamikamica had emerged stronger after months of legal scrutiny that resulted in him losing both his Cabinet portfolio and deputy prime ministership before the court dismissed the case against him.
"He's come out better and a stronger person. He's been through the mill, and I'm sure he's very happy with the outcome," Mr Rabuka said.
Mr Rabuka also dismissed speculation that Mr Kamikamica posed a political threat to his leadership.
"I am aware that there are those that would like to displace me, but that doesn't matter to me," he said.
"He and I started the party."
The Prime Minister went further, revealing he had always regarded Mr Kamikamica as his successor.
"In fact, he is my heir," he said.
When asked whether he had conveyed that directly to Mr Kamikamica, Mr Rabuka said the understanding had existed since the party's formation.
"That was right from the beginning when we started the party. He knew that and he understood that."
Mr Rabuka also rejected suggestions that the investigations into Mr Kamikamica were linked to rumours of a leadership challenge within the party.
"It had nothing to do with it," he said, adding that any future leadership transition did not need to involve "a scheme" or "a conspiracy".
While expressing confidence in leading the People's Alliance into the next general election, Mr Rabuka acknowledged victory could not be taken for granted.
"I'm confident of leading the party," he said.
"I'm not confident, and I cannot take it for granted, that we shall be elected.
"We have to do a lot of work still."
