NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has sensationally claimed that Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata previously lobbied to replace former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, escalating an already bitter political fallout between the two leaders.
Ichung’wah’s claims come in the wake of Kang’ata’s declaration that he will ditch the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2027, alleging he had been under pressure to endorse President William Ruto.
In a sharply worded response, the Kikuyu Member of Parliament dismissed the pressure claims and instead turned the spotlight on what he described as Kang’ata’s past political manoeuvres.
“That is what would constitute exerting pressure… the kind of pressure you were exerting to be named Deputy President,” he said.
The Majority Leader referenced a past meeting in Lavington during the politically charged period that followed Gachagua’s impeachment, suggesting Kang’ata actively pushed for consideration to fill the vacancy.
Gachagua, who served as Kenya’s Deputy President from 2022 until his impeachment in 2024, was later replaced by Kithure Kindiki.
Ichung’wah said he had at the time openly opposed Kang’ata’s alleged bid, accusing him of engaging in what he termed as “hypocritical politics.”
“I gave you my piece of mind on your candidature and the politics of hypocrisy that I read in your quest. I am still of the same view today,” he added.
He further warned Kang’ata against invoking his name in ongoing political alignments, particularly those linked to Gachagua’s political camp, which has been gaining traction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The accusations mark a significant escalation in tensions within the Mt Kenya political landscape, a region considered critical in national elections.
