‘Ruto Not Swayed By Blackmail’ – Ichung’wah Takes Another Dig At DP Gachagua
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has revealed the behind-the-scenes discussions that shaped President William Ruto’s Cabinet, sparking new tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a series of pointed remarks, Ichung’wah revealed that Ruto’s selection process was a calculated effort to maintain regional balance, particularly in the politically charged Mt Kenya region.
However, this disclosure served as the backdrop for his latest salvo against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, escalating the feud between the two leaders.
During a recent address, Ichung’wah revealed that President Ruto sought direct input from Kiambu MPs when appointing the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development.
COPIED from Sunday teachings. Blessed week ahead. One Nation One People. Like Elihu i say to you..👇 pic.twitter.com/nQI4sfiQC9
— Kimani Ichung’wah (@KIMANIICHUNGWAH) September 1, 2024
As a result of this consultation process, Andrew Mwihia Karanja was appointed as the CS for Agriculture.
This revelation indicates Ruto’s intention to involve local leaders in critical decisions, a move aimed at bridging the perennial East-West divide in the Mount Kenya region.
However, while Ichung’wah praised the President’s approach, he also launched a scathing attack on DP Gachagua, accusing him of attempting to manipulate regional politics for personal gain.
“I advised William Ruto not to be swayed by those who are trying to blackmail him,” Ichung’wah stated, in a clear reference to Gachagua.
The Majority Leader’s remarks reflect growing dissatisfaction within the UDA, where Gachagua’s perceived efforts to centralize power in Mt Kenya have sparked strong opposition.
Ichung’wah’s rhetoric escalated further as he threatened to expose those who he claims were behind a plot to destabilize the government during the recent anti-government protests triggered by the Finance Bill 2024.
This is just a power struggle between Gachagua and Kimani Ichung'wah, each trying to consolidate support from the Mount Kenya region to auction it to the highest bidder in the next general election. None of them have the people's best interests at heart—it's all about personal… pic.twitter.com/eDI0t2KrfZ
— Daniel Musembi (@isMusembi) September 1, 2024
“Let them know that I will speak up and name those who attempted to overthrow the government. They can’t intimidate me with fear; they should find someone else,” he warned.
The Majority Leader’s criticism of Gachagua was relentless.
“We will not allow this tribal leader to push us out of the government,” he asserted, accusing the Deputy President of neglecting his responsibilities.
“There’s someone who was given the responsibility to secure better prices for our milk, but instead, he has been moving around Mt Kenya, claiming he wants to bring unity—yet he has failed to deliver for the people of Mt Kenya.”
Gachagua’s allies have reacted sharply to Ichung’wah’s remarks, rallying behind the Deputy President.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, and Maragua MP Mary wa Maua have all condemned the attacks in Gachagua.
The trio described them as misguided, warning that they could backfire on those who promote them.
During the recently concluded Nyanza tour, Ichung’wah did not mince words, accusing an unnamed Mt Kenya politician—widely believed to be Gachagua—of blackmailing President Ruto despite the region’s significant representation in Cabinet.
“What about us who have not less than seven CSs and a Deputy President? We should be at the forefront of showing gratitude and supporting your government, not sabotaging it,” Ichung’wah remarked during the tour.
Hassan Omar, UDA’s interim Secretary General, fueled the fire by claiming that Ichung’wah’s statements were made with Ruto’s approval.
Omar described Gachagua as “abrasively territorial” and criticized his political approach for lacking inclusivity.
As the power struggle within UDA heats up, the gap between the President and his Deputy shows no signs of narrowing.
Gachagua’s opponents, including key figures such as Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, appear emboldened by Ichung’wah’s outspokenness.
‘Ruto Not Swayed By Blackmail’ – Ichung’wah Takes Another Dig At DP Gachagua
