Defiant Ichung’wah vows to continue supporting Ruto amid heckling

By Newsflash Correspondent

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has vowed to continue supporting President William Ruto’s development agenda in Mt Kenya, despite being heckled by an irate crowd in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, on Thursday, April 3.

Ichung’wah was among several dignitaries who accompanied President Ruto during the launch of the Last Mile Connectivity project, part of the President’s broader tour of the Mt Kenya region. However, when handed the microphone to address residents, Ichung’wah was met with loud jeers and whistles, forcing him to cut short his speech.

In videos seen by Newsflash, the crowd appeared calm during the President’s address but grew restless and openly hostile when Ichung’wah took the stage. Despite attempts to pacify the crowd by referencing government projects like affordable housing, his remarks were repeatedly drowned out by the protesting audience.

“No one can intimidate me”

Unshaken, Ichung’wah tried to push through his message amid the heckling. “Let me tell you, no one can shout me down. I cannot be intimidated,” he said defiantly.

He went on to defend President Ruto’s development agenda, urging that jobs arising from government projects—such as cabro placement for housing units—should benefit local youth. However, the jeers persisted, forcing him to hand over the microphone earlier than intended.

Before stepping aside, he delivered a pointed message to the President and the crowd: “I want to tell you, President Ruto, that here in Ol Kalou and the whole of Nyandarua, no one can intimidate me.”

Blaming political rivals

Speaking exclusively to Newsflash, Ichung’wah blamed local political turf wars for the hostility he encountered. He claimed the heckling was orchestrated by leaders from Nyandarua County who are locked in fierce competition ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race.

“The hecklers were mobilised and paid by the Nyandarua Governor against the area Woman Representative over their local gubernatorial politics,” Ichung’wah alleged. “Still, I think there were also those organised by Senator John Methu against Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuri and myself.”

Ichung’wah, the Kikuyu MP, claimed that his firm opposition to “mediocre politics” and divisive rhetoric in Mt Kenya is making him a target. He accused certain leaders of trying to isolate the region from national development by attacking Ruto and his allies.

Gitau also jeered, Methu mocks

Ichung’wah was not the only leader to face public displeasure. Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau was also heckled by the crowd during her attempt to speak, particularly when addressing the Sh240 million debt burden facing the Ol Kalou Dairy.

Meanwhile, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who has been seen as increasingly critical of Ruto’s allies, appeared to revel in the heckling incident. In a cheeky post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Methu mocked the visiting leaders, hinting that the crowd expected monetary handouts before being addressed.

The political drama in Nyandarua highlights the growing tensions within Mt Kenya’s leadership and signals a turbulent road ahead as the region’s 2027 political landscape begins to take shape.