National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa. Photo/Handout
By Newsflash Writer
Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa has escalated his political standoff with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of orchestrating a dangerous campaign of incitement and enlisting a vernacular radio journalist to spread divisive propaganda in the Mt Kenya region.
In a letter dated April 10, 2026, addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Ichung’wa claimed that Gachagua had, over the past two weeks, engaged in a “deliberate campaign of incitement, hate and violence targeting the people of Kikuyu Constituency.”
While the MP did not name the journalist in the letter, Newsflash has independently established that the individual referenced is Kameme FM breakfast presenter Gatonye wa Mbugua, with whom Ichung’wa has previously had a public fallout.
Gatonye hosts the popular Arahuka (Wake Up) breakfast show.
Claims of incitement and media manipulation
In the letter, Ichung’wa draws parallels between the alleged activities and past historical tragedies, warning that the situation could spiral if left unchecked.
“Gachagua has gone further to enlist a journalist hosting a morning show on a vernacular radio station… to push his agenda of hatred,” he wrote. “Whatever Gachagua and this… journalist are doing mimics the unfortunate Rwandan experience with RTLM… used to spread ethnic hate during the Rwandan genocide.”
The Majority Leader insists that his concerns are rooted in a responsibility to protect his constituents, stating that although Kikuyu remains open to all leaders, he cannot ignore what he describes as credible threats to peace and stability.
Read more: Journalists at K24, Kameme TV & FM, People Daily to lose jobs
“I am obligated to ensure the safety of lives, property and peace of Kikuyu residents. That obligation compels me to write to you today,” he added.
Ichung’wa further alleges that past incidents of violence in the constituency were linked to Gachagua’s influence. He cited events on June 25, 2024, when the Kikuyu NG-CDF offices were torched, and a year later when the Kikuyu Law Courts and county offices were destroyed in similar attacks.
“These are not allegations; they are matters of public record with arrests made and evidence documented,” he stated.
Security fears ahead of Kikuyu meeting
The letter comes just days after Gachagua, speaking during a requiem mass for the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho on April 7, accused Ichung’wa of plotting to disrupt his planned political meeting in Kikuyu Constituency scheduled for Saturday, April 11.
Ichung’wa, however, turned the tables, alleging that Gachagua himself was mobilising individuals from multiple counties—including Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua—to cause chaos.
“We have verified information that Gachagua has directed… aspirants… to mobilise and transport goons to Kikuyu Town,” the MP claimed, adding that some operatives had already been spotted coordinating activities on the ground.
Read more: Nyakera: Mt Kenya MPs were paid Sh3 million to mobilize for Ruto
He also warned of targeted attacks against businesses linked to his family, describing the alleged plan as “a coordinated operation designed to trigger violence, destroy property, and manufacture a crisis.”
The MP urged the National Police Service not to withdraw security from the area despite what he termed as pressure tactics by Gachagua.
“Do not fall into this trap to withdraw security teams from protecting Kikuyu Town,” Ichung’wa cautioned, insisting that adequate police presence was necessary to prevent “choreographed violence and destruction.”
Ichung’wa also referenced remarks allegedly made by Gachagua during a funeral in Laikipia on April 9, terming them as direct threats against residents.
“This is not political rhetoric, it is an open threat against the people of Kikuyu,” he wrote.
In a further escalation, Ichung’wa accused Gachagua of attempting to manipulate security agencies by portraying himself as a victim while allegedly planning unrest.
“His letter… is a continuation of that same campaign: a deliberate attempt to manufacture a narrative of persecution whilst driving a dangerous campaign of violence,” he stated.
The Majority Leader maintained that Kikuyu Constituency has historically hosted leaders from across the political divide peacefully, citing a recent visit by former Chief Justice David Maraga as an example of orderly political engagement.
About the Author
