EMBU, Kenya – National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has strongly defended the proposed Sh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund, describing it as a bold and necessary long-term investment aimed at positioning Kenya among first-world economies.
Speaking during a UDA party sensitization meeting at Kangaru Girls Secondary School grounds, Ichung’wah dismissed critics of the fund, accusing them of lacking a clear vision for Kenya’s future.
“We have been borrowing money to meet both our recurrent and development expenditures, and this approach must change,” Ichung’wah said. “We need to establish a National Infrastructure Fund that can leverage both public and private capital because we do not have sufficient fiscal space within the Kenyan budget to roll out all the development projects we have planned.”
He added that the fund would be key to Kenya’s economic transformation.
“Such a fund will enable us to move our country from a third-world economy to a first-world nation,” he said.
Ichung’wah emphasized that the proposal is firmly grounded in government policy.
“This fund is feasible, strategic, and anchored in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto. You cannot build a first-world economy on wishful thinking when domestic revenue alone is clearly insufficient.” he said.
Addressing concerns over rising public debt, the Majority Leader dismissed claims of mismanagement of borrowed funds.
“The Auditor General has never said that borrowed money has been misused. Those spreading fear about borrowing should tell us where the money has been stolen, because the facts do not support that narrative.” he stated.
Ichung’wa further urged Kenyans to embrace ambitious development ideas.adding that it’s only through such ideas that the country can grow.
“Some people fear big ideas because they think small. This country will not grow unless we invest boldly in infrastructure.” he said
On regional politics, Ichung’wah weighed in on discussions sparked by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku regarding possible divisions within the Mt Kenya region.
“There is no hostility between Mt Kenya East and West. When the time comes, Mt Kenya West is ready to stand with the East, just as the East stood with us in supporting leaders like Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta.” Ichung’wa remarked.
The majority leader, blamed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for fueling perceptions of division within the region.
“Gachagua’s tribal politics do not represent Mt Kenya West. We reject politics of division and entitlement.” he warned.
As a show of unity, Ichung’wah publicly backed UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire to retain her position in the upcoming party grassroots elections.
“Cecily has stood firm for the party and the region. She deserves our full support.” he said.
On succession politics, Ichung’wah openly declared his support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as President William Ruto’s successor.
“In my view, Kindiki is best placed to carry forward the vision of economic transformation after President Ruto. He understands the state, the economy, and the future Kenya we want to build.” Ichung’wa said.
Echoing the same sentiments, UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire emphasized the need for political reciprocity within the Mt Kenya region.
“For decades, Mt Kenya East supported leaders from the West. The time has come for the West to return that goodwill by rallying behind Deputy President Kindiki.” Mbarire said.
Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba underscored the importance of preserving Mt Kenya’s long-standing unity.
“We cannot afford to fracture a unity that has taken decades to build. We must remain united as the Mt Kenya people. Dividing the region would be a huge loss to all of us.” Karemba said.
On the issue of succession beyond President Ruto’s tenure, Karemba said it was time for Mt Kenya West to support leadership from the eastern side of the region.
“Supporting Kindiki is not just politics; it is honoring our shared history and future. I urge our brothers from Mt Kenya West to support us when that time comes.” he said.
All leaders who spoke reaffirmed their loyalty to President William Ruto, crediting his administration with delivering transformative development projects across the country.
They also sharply criticized the opposition, accusing it of undermining government efforts while offering no tangible development alternatives.
