GITHUNGURI, Kenya – Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has threatened to lead like-minded leaders out of government if the authorities fail to arrest nominated MP Josphat Wainaina over alleged inflammatory remarks.
Wamuchomba said she could abandon the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over what she described as the selective application of the law against politicians accused of making hateful or inciting statements.
Speaking to a local radio station, the Githunguri MP questioned why leaders allied to the government appeared to face less scrutiny than opposition politicians accused of making similar remarks.
She singled out Nominated MP Josphat Wainaina over alleged remarks warning that a community could be evicted from the Rift Valley if it failed to support President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Wamuchomba warned that she would lead like-minded leaders out of government if Wainaina was not arrested by the following day.
Wamuchomba demands action against Wainaina
The MP said she was particularly concerned by the alleged remarks because of Wainaina’s experience during the 2007/08 post-election violence, which claimed lives and displaced thousands of Kenyans.
“Wainaina is one of those who witnessed the chaos that led to the loss of life and property during the 2007/08 post-election violence. He therefore should be the last person to utter hateful remarks directed at the community,” Wamuchomba said.
Her comments add to growing political pressure over remarks made by politicians as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The allegations against Wainaina have not been independently established in the material provided, and it was not immediately clear whether authorities had opened a case or issued an arrest order.
Wamuchomba accuses government of selective enforcement
Wamuchomba questioned why leaders aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration were, in her view, not facing the same consequences as politicians from rival camps.
She argued that the law should be applied equally to all leaders regardless of their political affiliation.
Her criticism comes amid heightened scrutiny of political speech as the country approaches the 2027 elections, with government and opposition leaders repeatedly trading accusations over hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and incitement.
The MP also criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, accusing him of making remarks she considered hateful and directed at the Kikuyu community.
Wamuchomba said she had previously challenged Duale over the comments but accused the CS of responding dismissively and referring to her as a “small girl.”
‘Bride sitting on thorns’
The Githunguri MP also spoke about the difficulties she said some government-aligned legislators face while trying to secure development projects for their constituencies.
She described her experience in government as being like “a bride sitting on thorns”, suggesting that she and other leaders were tolerating political difficulties because they wanted to deliver projects to their constituents.
“We have been pleading that our projects be completed, but some of us have run out of patience,” she said.
Wamuchomba said her continued participation in government was motivated largely by the need to complete stalled development projects in Githunguri.
“I’m not in this position because I wish to be. I’m here so that I’m able to get projects in my constituency finalised, so that in the long run my constituents will not blame me,” she said.
Roads and hospitals at centre of concerns
The MP said some of the projects she wants completed include roads and unfinished hospitals in her constituency.
“I want some roads in my constituency to be completed and unfinished hospitals completed,” she said.
Her remarks point to a broader tension facing elected leaders who support the government while simultaneously seeking development resources for their constituencies.
Wamuchomba’s threat to leave UDA could therefore have both political and development implications, particularly if other leaders join her.
