NAIROBI, Kenya — A public fallout has erupted between National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, just minutes after the governor said he would not defend his seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2027.
Kang’ata had earlier claimed he was under pressure from senior leaders to publicly endorse President William Ruto during recent visits to Murang’a County, a revelation that signalled growing cracks within the ruling party.
“The President has always told us that the people are supreme; therefore, my responsibility is to adhere to what the people have told me. In light of that, and after careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket, UDA, ticket in 2027. I will later, at a certain stage, communicate the platform, which I will present myself to the electorate,” the Governor said.
But in a fiery response, Ichung’wah dismissed the allegations and instead accused the governor of hypocrisy and political deceit.
“What is it I am hearing that you claim I have been pressuring you?” he posed, referring to remarks he made at Kenneth Matiba Hospital, where he said he was merely calling out what he termed as inconsistent political behaviour.
The Majority Leader went further, lifting the lid on what he described as past political manoeuvres by Kang’ata, including an alleged push to be considered for the Deputy President position during the turbulent period surrounding former DP Rigathi Gachagua.
Kang’ata is said to have pressured UDA leaders to have him named as Gachagua’s replacement.
“That is what would constitute exerting pressure… the kind of pressure you were exerting to be named Deputy President,” Ichung’wah claimed.
In an apparent escalation, the Kikuyu MP warned Kang’ata against dragging his name into ongoing political alignments, particularly those linked to Gachagua’s camp.
“Desist from name-dropping my name to please Gachagua… pay the ransoms he demands if you desire to be his candidate,” the Kikuyu MP said.
Ichung’wah also issued a thinly veiled threat to disclose details of a past meeting in Lavington, suggesting it involved sensitive matters touching on Murang’a County resources.
“Do you really want me to disclose to the people of Murang’a full details of our Lavington meeting? It is NOT in your interest,” he warned.
He maintained that his decision to respond publicly was informed by Kang’ata’s own choice to air the matter in the public domain.
