Kiambu Residents Defend Uhuru, Rebuke Ichung’wah’s Accusations

Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah encountered a hostile crowd while delivering a speech to Limuru residents on Friday.

The incident unfolded during the groundbreaking ceremony for two new markets, where Ichung’wah launched into criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He accused Kenyatta and his family of influencing Members of the County Assembly (MCA) to disparage him publicly. Additionally, Ichung’wah placed blame on Kenyatta, Governor Kimani Wamatangi, and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba for hindering development in Kiambu County.

“I have told you that Kiambu will develop at the pace the people want, not the one Uhuru and Governor Kimani Wamatangi want,” he declared.

However, his remarks resonated poorly with the residents. They urged the Majority Leader to abandon his attacks on Kenyatta and cease attributing his shortcomings to the former president. The crowd questioned his motives, inquiring, “Why harbour such animosity towards Uhuru?” They further pointed out Ichung’wah’s consistent criticism of Kenyatta since his retirement, often lacking any substantial basis. In an attempt to deflect responsibility for the Kenya Kwanza administration’s shortcomings onto Kenyatta’s regime, Ichung’wah has emerged as a staunch defender of the government, publicly accusing Kenyatta of sabotaging Ruto’s development initiatives.

Despite his efforts to appease the crowd, residents remained unconvinced, calling out his perceived deception. As Ichung’wah addressed his constituents, his microphone was reportedly silenced, allowing the residents to voice their disapproval. Chants of support erupted for Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamantangi, a political rival of Ichung’wah. Notably, the crowd demanded “chicks,” a reference to a key initiative of Wamantangi’s aimed at empowering the community. Ichung’wah attempted to deflect, posing the question, “Would you prefer free healthcare or the chicks?” The residents’ response was unanimous: they desired the chicks.

Following the incident, Ichung’wah on Saturday denied harbouring aspirations for the Kiambu Governor position or engaging in any conflict with Wamantangi. He seized the opportunity to urge Wamantangi to engage in direct dialogue rather than resorting to intermediaries, emphasizing the need for the governor to deliver on his promises to the residents.