NAIROBI, Kenya- In a move sparking political buzz in the Mt Kenya region, former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria has called for a government investigation into a political group allegedly linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The group, dubbed “Itungati” after the Mau Mau warriors of Kenya’s colonial era, has been making waves—but not without controversy.
Wa Iria, now chairperson of the Procurement Regulatory Board, painted a grim picture of the group’s activities.
According to him, the Itungati has been organizing grassroots meetings that allegedly intimidate leaders into compliance.
Those who refuse to align with the group reportedly face hostility—a practice Wa Iria believes could destabilize the region.
He didn’t hold back on the group’s apparent cultural façade. While the name evokes a historical connection to Kenya’s fight for independence, Wa Iria was quick to note that the Itungati is not registered as a cultural entity.
Instead, it appears to be expanding its membership beyond Mt Kenya, raising further eyebrows.
“It’s essential that all Kenyans exercise their rights without coercion or intimidation,” Wa Iria said, urging an official probe into the group’s intentions and activities.
The tension doesn’t end there. Wa Iria also took a swing at local MPs critical of his recent appointment by President William Ruto.
Leaders like Maragua MP Mary Waithera have downplayed his role, viewing it as a token effort by the government to placate Mt Kenya residents.
Speaking at a recent event, Waithera emphasized that appointments of figures like Wa Iria, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, and former senator Kembi Gitura won’t sway locals dissatisfied with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
