By Ahmed Salat Ali | Political Affairs | AARAN TV KE
A simmering political dispute has erupted into the open after Kimani Ichung’wah, the National Assembly Majority Leader, sharply rebuked Irungu Kang’ata, accusing him of hypocrisy and warning him against dragging his name into what he described as “deceitful politics.”
In a strongly worded statement, Ichung’wah dismissed allegations by Kang’ata that he had exerted political pressure on the Murang’a governor. He maintained that his earlier remarks were made publicly and were intended to call out what he termed inconsistencies in Kang’ata’s political conduct.
“What is it I am hearing—that you claim I have been pressuring you? I said what I said to you at Kenneth Matiba Hospital in public, not to exert pressure but to call out the hypocrisy I observed in your engagements,” Ichung’wah stated.
The Majority Leader further alluded to a shared political history, referencing a past meeting in Lavington during a sensitive political period. According to him, that encounter would more accurately qualify as an instance of political pressure.
“Remember our Lavington meeting at the time of impeachment? That is what would constitute exerting pressure—the kind you were applying in your bid to be named Deputy President,” he added.
Ichung’wah accused the governor of engaging in opportunistic politics, asserting that his views on Kang’ata’s ambitions have remained consistent over time.
“I gave you my piece of mind on your candidature and the politics of hypocrisy that I discerned in your quest. I remain of the same view today,” he said.
He also cautioned Kang’ata against invoking his name in political manoeuvres linked to Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President, suggesting that the governor was attempting to gain political favour while edging out rivals.
“Desist from name-dropping me to please Gachagua in a bid to eliminate your competitors. Pay the ransoms he demands if you wish to be his preferred candidate,” Ichung’wah remarked.
In an apparent escalation, Ichung’wah hinted at undisclosed details from their past dealings, warning the governor against further provocation.
“My brother, do you really want me to disclose to the people of Murang’a the full details of our Lavington meeting, including what you did with Murang’a resources? It is not in your interest,” he warned.
The exchange follows Kang’ata’s recent announcement that he will not seek re-election under the ticket of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing “honest differences” over policy priorities, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Kang’ata said his decision came after unsuccessful attempts to push for greater emphasis on socio-economic development within the party, despite engaging William Ruto in direct consultations.
“After careful reflection, I have decided that, come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket,” he said, adding that he would unveil his next political move in due course.
The governor also pointed to mounting political pressure during presidential visits to Murang’a, including calls to publicly endorse government programmes—claims that appear to have triggered Ichung’wah’s sharp response.
Despite the widening rift, Kang’ata affirmed that he would remain in UDA for the remainder of his term and continue cooperating with the national government, even as the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections begins to take shape.
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