Ichung’wa, Faith Gitau defend Ndindi’s move to join PPK

By Newsflash Writer

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau have separately defended Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s decision to join the Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK), saying politicians from the Mt Kenya region should be free to associate with parties of their choice.

The two allies of President William Ruto said Nyoro should not be attacked or criticised for his political decision, arguing that political parties are merely vehicles through which leaders pursue their ambitions.

Speaking during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots leaders’ meeting in Kigumo Constituency, Murang’a County, on Monday, August 24, Ichung’wa urged residents to embrace political diversity in the region.

Ichung’wa, who was hosted by Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, said the people of Murang’a should aspire to produce a future president instead of allowing political rivalries to divide the region.

“The people from Kiambu have had government for 15 years during the reign of Jomo [Kenyatta] and 10 years of Uhuru [Kenyatta]. Have you [people from Murang’a] led government? Do you see if you will ever lead government?” posed Ichung’wa.

He asked residents whether they would support having a president from Murang’a, saying such ambitions should not be undermined by party politics.

Parties are political vehicles

“Wouldn’t you want someone born in Murang’a to be the President of Kenya? That’s why I am saying that our brothers such as Ndindi should not be attacked. People should not badmouth them,” Ichung’wa said.

He likened political parties to public vehicles that transport passengers towards their desired destinations.

“Parties are vehicles. If you board a vehicle from Kangari to Nairobi, you alight after paying fare. Does the vehicle become yours? That’s how a party looks like. It is meant to help you reach your destination,” he said.

Ichung’wa added that no single political party should be treated as the permanent political home of Mt Kenya leaders, urging residents to exercise freedom in choosing their preferred political formations.

“So, even when parties come, people should be given freedom to choose the parties they want,” he said.

His remarks came a day before Gitau also defended Nyoro’s political decision while speaking during Inooro FM’s Hagaria Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 25.

Gitau said Nyoro had every right to form or join a political party without intimidation, while suggesting that she could also make her own political decision when the time was right.

“Ndindi’s party is tick! While I am still in UDA, I will announce my next move when the right time comes,” Gitau said.

She, however, ruled out joining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), maintaining that she would not cross over to the party under any circumstances.