National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has dismissed claims of personal hostility between him and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Ichung'wah, a Kikuyu MP, insists that their differences are purely political. He also maintains a cordial relationship with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro despite occasional public disagreements. Ichung'wah's comments come amid a bitter political fallout with Gachagua following the latter's impeachment as Deputy President in October 2024.
Ichung'wah played a leading role in the National Assembly proceedings that culminated in Gachagua's removal from office. He has since become one of Gachagua's fiercest political critics. Gachagua branded Ichung'wah a traitor to the Mt Kenya region, accusing him of betraying the community's political interests. The two have remained on opposing sides of Kenya's political divide, with Gachagua leading the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and Ichung'wah a key ally of President William Ruto.
Ichung'wah now says he personally harbours no ill feelings towards anyone. He blames Gachagua for creating the impression that the two are enemies. “Ndindi is my friend; we are not enemies. Even Gachagua, we are not enemies. He is the one who creates enmity; personally, I do not have enmity with anyone. I usually speak the truth, and you have the discretion to perceive me the way you want,” Ichung'wah said in an interview with a vernacular television station.
The Majority Leader also sought to distance himself from speculation about possible candidates from Mt Kenya who could be considered for the position of Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election. Names that have featured in discussions include Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Ndia MP George Kariuki, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Laikipia West MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Ichung'wah ruled himself out of the race, declaring that he was not interested in becoming Deputy President. “I do not want the position of the Deputy President,” he asserted. He also dismissed speculation that he was positioning himself to contest the Kiambu gubernatorial seat in 2027. Ichung'wah's priority, he said, was serving the people of Kikuyu Constituency.
Ichung'wah's comments come at a time when political alignments in the Mt Kenya region are taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections. Competing camps are seeking to consolidate support and influence the region's political direction. Gachagua's DCP is working to strengthen its grip on Mt Kenya, while Ichung'wah remains a key ally of President Ruto.
The 2027 General Election is 274 days away, with 06 hours and 29 minutes to go. Ichung'wah's statements are likely to have significant implications for the Mt Kenya region's political landscape. His emphasis on distinguishing political competition from personal relationships may signal a shift in his approach to politics.
Key points
- Ichung'wah denies personal hostility towards Gachagua and Nyoro.
- Ichung'wah rules himself out of the running mate race for President Ruto.
- Ichung'wah prioritizes serving the people of Kikuyu Constituency over other political ambitions.
