National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has lifted the lid on the behind-the-scenes deliberations that shaped President William Ruto’s Cabinet, igniting fresh tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
In a series of pointed remarks, Ichung’wah revealed that Ruto’s selection process was a calculated move to maintain regional balance, particularly within the politically restless Mt Kenya area. However, this disclosure also served as the backdrop for his latest salvo against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, further deepening the rift between the two leaders.
During a recent address, Ichung’wah disclosed that President Ruto sought input directly from Kiambu MPs when appointing the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development. “Let no one deceive you,” Ichung’wah declared.
“When President Ruto was making his new Cabinet, he called us MPs from Kiambu and asked us to go and find someone for the docket of Agriculture.” The result of this consultative process was the appointment of Andrew Mwihia Karanja as the CS for Agriculture.
This revelation points to Ruto’s intent to involve local leaders in crucial decisions, a move aimed at quelling the perennial East-West divide within the Mt Kenya region. Yet, as Ichung’wah praised the President’s approach, he simultaneously launched a scathing attack on DP Gachagua, accusing him of attempting to manipulate the region’s politics for personal gain.
“I advised William Ruto not to be swayed by those who are trying to blackmail him,” Ichung’wah stated, in a clear reference to Gachagua. The Majority Leader’s comments reflect a growing unease within UDA ranks, where Gachagua’s perceived efforts to centralise power in Mt Kenya have sparked fierce opposition.
Ichung’wah’s rhetoric escalated further as he threatened to expose those he claims were behind a plot to destabilise the government during the recent anti-government protests triggered by the Finance Bill 2024. “Let them know that I will speak up and name those who attempted to overthrow the government. They can’t intimidate me with fear; they should find someone else,” he warned.
The Majority Leader’s critique of Gachagua was unrelenting. “We will not allow this tribal leader to push us out of the government,” he asserted, accusing the Deputy President of neglecting his responsibilities. “There’s someone who was given the responsibility to secure better prices for our milk, but instead, he has been moving around Mt Kenya, claiming he wants to bring unity—yet he has failed to deliver for the people of Mt Kenya.”
Ichung’wah’s comments have drawn a sharp response from Gachagua’s allies, who have rallied to the Deputy President’s defence. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, and Maragua MP Mary wa Maua have criticised the attacks on Gachagua, describing them as misguided and warning that they could backfire on those perpetuating them.
In the just-concluded tour of Nyanza, Ichung’wah did not mince words, accusing an unnamed Mt Kenya politician—widely believed to be Gachagua—of blackmailing President Ruto despite the region’s significant representation in the Cabinet. “What about us who have not less than seven CSs and a Deputy President? We should be at the forefront of showing gratitude and supporting your government, not sabotaging it,” Ichung’wah remarked during the tour.
Hassan Omar, UDA’s interim Secretary General, added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Ichung’wah’s statements were made with Ruto’s blessing. Omar described Gachagua as “abrasively territorial” and criticised his approach to politics as one that lacks inclusivity.
As the power struggle within UDA intensifies, the divide between the President and his Deputy shows no sign of narrowing. Gachagua’s opponents, including key figures like Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, appear increasingly emboldened by Ichung’wah’s outspokenness….CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLE>>>
