NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has revealed that he declined an offer to join President William Ruto’s Cabinet, opting instead to remain in Parliament and serve his constituents.
Speaking during an interview on Oga Obinna Show on Thursday, Ichung’wah disclosed that he had been offered several high-profile dockets, including Treasury, Transport, and Interior, but turned them down.
“The President told me, ‘Come to the cabinet, finance is yours if you want it; if not, you can take transport or interior.’ I told him, ‘Your Excellency, thank you very much, but let me remain in Parliament,’” he said.
The Kikuyu MP explained that his decision was driven by a commitment to his electorate and a desire to fulfil his legislative agenda.
“I didn’t want a CS position; I have a calling to do what I am doing today… I never wanted to abandon the people of Kikuyu because I had set out an agenda that I needed to fulfil,” he added.
Ichung’wah further noted that he advised the President on the need for strong leadership within Parliament, especially as several lawmakers were eyeing Cabinet appointments.
“I told him he would need me in Parliament because a number of my colleagues wanted to be in Cabinet, and Parliament would require strong voices. That is how I ended up becoming the Leader of the Majority,” he said.
On his political future, Ichung’wah ruled out any interest in the Kiambu gubernatorial race, stating that he intends to seek a fourth term as MP in the 2027 General Election.
“I would never run for the position of governor… the day you hear that Kimani Ichung’wah is vying for a governor’s seat, just know something is wrong,” he said.
The Majority Leader also disclosed that he had communicated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after his impeachment, saying the former DP had reached out through an intermediary over a personal matter.
“I have spoken to Gachagua even after impeachment… he wanted to reach out to the President, and the friend came to me,” Ichung’wah said.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Kiambu County following the disruption of a recent rally by Gachagua in Kikuyu town. The former Deputy President accused Ichung’wah and President Ruto of orchestrating the incident, alleging the use of police force to frustrate his political activities.
“Mr. William Ruto and Kimani Ichung’wah are the greatest political cowards in the country,” Gachagua said after the incident, claiming intimidation tactics would not deter his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 polls.
The developments highlight deepening political rifts within the region, as leaders position themselves for future contests while navigating shifting alliances within the ruling coalition.
