Rift in Kenya Kwanza: MP Kimani Ichung’wah Warns DP Gachagua Against Using Mt. Kenya Unity for Personal Gain

Tensions continue to rise within the Kenya Kwanza Alliance as Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah publicly criticized Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua for pushing the Mt. Kenya unity agenda for what he described as personal gain.

The rift between the two leaders surfaced as Ichung’wah, during a speech in Meru on Sunday, September 9, expressed concerns that Gachagua's calls for unity among Mt. Kenya leaders seemed to emerge only when it was advantageous to him personally, rather than for the collective benefit of the region.

A Call for Unity—But at What Cost?

Kimani Ichung’wah did not mince words in his address, pointing out that the issue of Mt. Kenya unity had been largely ignored during the first two years of the current government. However, he noted that Gachagua's call for unity had surfaced when there appeared to be a push for increased funding and other personal benefits.

"In the past two years since we assumed office, we haven't been urged to unite. Now, when someone seeks personal benefits like a chopper and extra funding, we're suddenly told to come together. That’s why we, as leaders, have chosen not to support anyone who only seeks unity for personal gain," Ichung'wah said.

Ruto’s Votes Earned Through His Efforts

Ichung’wah went further to discredit Gachagua's assertion that President William Ruto owed his electoral success to the support he received from the Mt. Kenya region, a claim Ichung’wah said was misguided. According to the Kikuyu MP, Ruto campaigned hard for his presidency, and any suggestion that his success was due to Gachagua's influence was misplaced.

"The attempt to unite us to intimidate William Ruto, based on the claim that his votes were due to your influence, is misguided. Ruto campaigned to earn his election; no one voted for him because of someone’s persuasion," Ichung’wah asserted.

Support for Ruto Remains Strong

Backing Ichung’wah's comments, Buuri MP Kirima Ngushune stressed that the leaders from the region had no intention of withdrawing their support for President Ruto. He added that the language of division and using regional unity to serve individual interests was unacceptable in Meru.

"The language of dividing people from where they come from is no longer acceptable in Meru, and we have no apologies to make. We are ready to work with and support the president," Ngushune said.

Growing Friction in Kenya Kwanza?

The growing friction between key figures within Kenya Kwanza, particularly Ichung’wah and Gachagua, has caused unease among the coalition’s leaders. Many are watching to see how these tensions play out and what it could mean for the unity and future direction of the ruling alliance. As Mt. Kenya leaders voice their concerns over being used for personal gain, the larger question remains: will the Kenya Kwanza Alliance be able to maintain a united front in the face of internal discord?