Ichung’wah Unveils Ruto’s Cabinet Secrets, Sparks Fresh Tensions with Gachagua in UDA Power Struggle
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has revealed the behind-the-scenes discussions that influenced the formation of President William Ruto’s Cabinet, escalating tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Ichung’wah highlighted that Ruto’s selection process was strategically designed to ensure regional balance, particularly addressing the political instability in the Mt Kenya region.
This revelation, however, set the stage for Ichung’wah’s latest attack on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, further widening the rift between the two leaders.
In a recent speech, Ichung’wah shared that President Ruto consulted directly with Kiambu MPs before appointing the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development. “Don’t be misled,” Ichung’wah emphasized. “When President Ruto was forming his Cabinet, he called us MPs from Kiambu and asked us to propose someone for the Agriculture docket.” This consultative approach led to the appointment of Andrew Mwihia Karanja as the CS for Agriculture.
This disclosure underscores Ruto’s intention to involve local leaders in critical decisions, aiming to bridge the persistent East-West divide in the Mt Kenya region.
While praising the President’s strategy, Ichung’wah simultaneously launched a harsh critique against DP Gachagua, accusing him of trying to manipulate regional politics for personal gain.
“I advised William Ruto not to be influenced by those attempting to blackmail him,” Ichung’wah said, directly referencing Gachagua. His remarks reflect growing discontent within UDA, as Gachagua’s efforts to centralize power in Mt Kenya face strong opposition.
Ichung’wah’s rhetoric intensified as he threatened to expose those he claims orchestrated a plot to destabilize the government during the recent anti-government protests sparked by the Finance Bill 2024. “I will not be silenced. I will name those who tried to overthrow the government. They cannot intimidate me,” he declared.
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Ichung’wah’s relentless criticism of Gachagua continued. “We won’t let this tribal leader push us out of the government,” he stated, accusing the Deputy President of failing in his duties.
“Someone was tasked with securing better prices for our milk, but instead, he’s been traveling around Mt Kenya, pretending to unite the region—yet he hasn’t delivered for the people,” Ichung’wah added.
Gachagua’s allies, including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, and Maragua MP Mary wa Maua, have fiercely defended the Deputy President, condemning Ichung’wah’s attacks as misguided and warning of potential repercussions.
During a recent visit to Nyanza, Ichung’wah didn’t hold back, accusing an unnamed Mt Kenya politician—widely believed to be Gachagua—of blackmailing President Ruto despite the region’s substantial representation in the Cabinet.
“With our seven CSs and a Deputy President, we should be leading in supporting your government, not undermining it,” Ichung’wah asserted during the tour.
Hassan Omar, UDA’s interim Secretary General, added to the controversy, suggesting that Ichung’wah’s remarks were endorsed by Ruto. Omar criticized Gachagua as “territorial” and described his political approach as lacking inclusivity.
As the power struggle within UDA deepens, the divide between the President and his Deputy shows no signs of closing. Gachagua’s adversaries, including key figures like Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, appear increasingly emboldened by Ichung’wah’s outspoken stance.
Ichung’wah Unveils Ruto’s Cabinet Secrets, Sparks Fresh Tensions with Gachagua in UDA Power Struggle
