Ichung’wah, Kang’ata clash escalates in public spat over political claims

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah

A fresh political row has erupted between National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata following accusations of political pressure and hypocrisy.

In a strongly worded public statement, Ichung’wah dismissed claims that he had been exerting pressure on the governor, insisting that his earlier remarks—made openly at Kenneth Matiba Hospital—were intended to call out what he termed as inconsistencies in Kang’ata’s political conduct.

“I said what I said in public, not to exert pressure but to highlight the hypocrisy I observed,” Ichung’wah stated, adding that the two leaders have a long-standing political relationship.

The Majority Leader went further to reference a past meeting in Nairobi’s Lavington area during a politically sensitive period, alleging that Kang’ata had previously engaged in efforts that could be interpreted as exerting influence in his bid for higher office. Ichung’wah claimed he had already expressed reservations about Kang’ata’s ambitions and political approach at the time.

In a sharp escalation, Ichung’wah accused the Murang’a governor of invoking his name to gain political mileage, particularly in relation to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He urged Kang’ata to “fight his own battles” and refrain from what he described as “name dropping to advance hypocritical politics.”

The statement also contained a veiled warning, with Ichung’wah hinting at the possibility of revealing details of their past engagements, including matters touching on county resources, should the governor persist.

“I have chosen this public response since you chose that same route,” he said, signaling that the dispute had firmly shifted into the public domain.

Governor Kang’ata has yet to issue a formal response to the remarks.

The exchange underscores growing political tensions within Mt. Kenya’s leadership circles as alignments and rivalries intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.