Ichung’wah’s waning influence in Ruto’s inner circle

By Newsflash Reporter

For years, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah was considered one of President William Ruto’s most trusted allies from the Mt Kenya region.

However, recent political realignments suggest that his influence in Ruto’s inner circle is waning, with the rise of Geoffrey Ruku further pushing him to the periphery.

The rise of Geoffrey Ruku

The nomination of Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service marks a significant shift in Ruto’s political calculus in Mt Kenya. Until his elevation, Ichung’wah was widely seen as the president’s most prominent political operative from the region, especially after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

However, Ruku’s growing influence has cast a shadow over Ichung’wah’s position, signaling a reconfiguration of power dynamics in Ruto’s government.

Ruku has emerged as a vocal and unapologetic loyalist of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, whom he once described as “Mt Kenya’s new bridge to the Executive.” His role in rallying Mt Kenya MPs against Gachagua, coupled with his fierce defense of Ruto’s policies in both Parliament and the media, has made him a central figure in the president’s strategy for the region.

“Ruku is the new face of Mt Kenya in Ruto’s government,” says political analyst James Murache. “His elevation means Ruto is looking for a fresh face to champion his agenda in the region, something that inevitably sidelines Ichung’wah.”

Ichung’wah’s diminishing clout

Before Ruku’s rise, Ichung’wah was perceived as Ruto’s top ally from Mt Kenya after Gachagua’s fall. His proximity to the president had made him an influential player in government decision-making. However, analysts argue that Ruto’s recent appointments, particularly from Mt Kenya East, indicate a deliberate shift away from Ichung’wah and other Kikuyu leaders.

Ruto’s distancing from Mt Kenya West (Central Kenya) is evident in his strategic appointments. The selection of Cabinet Secretaries Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), and William Kabogo (ICT) was meant to counter Gachagua’s lingering influence in the region. However, these moves have not significantly shifted the political landscape, forcing Ruto to explore other options—including elevating Ruku.

“Ruto is diversifying his Mt Kenya strategy,” says political commentator Martin Andati. “He no longer wants to rely on a few individuals from the region. Ichung’wah is feeling the heat because his influence is being diluted.”

The expulsion of several Mt Kenya MPs from powerful parliamentary committees has further exposed Ichung’wah as a political lone ranger. Among those removed was Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, a former key player in Ruto’s inner circle. The move signaled that Ichung’wah no longer holds the same level of control over government affairs as he once did.

Missed cabinet opportunity

There were earlier speculations that Ichung’wah would be appointed Interior Cabinet Secretary following Kindiki’s elevation to Deputy President. However, this did not materialize, leaving him in his parliamentary role without an expanded mandate. Many believe that his strong role in Gachagua’s impeachment has also made him unpopular within the region.

Facing mounting pressure, Ichung’wah has sought to defend his position: “My commitment to the president and his agenda has never wavered,” he said in a recent interview. “Those who think they can divide the region by creating new factions should know that the people of Mt Kenya will always remain united.”

However, some within Ruto’s camp see his remarks as defensive, a sign that he is aware of his declining influence.

The political cost of Gachagua’s impeachment

Ichung’wah’s role in Gachagua’s impeachment has also attracted significant backlash from sections of the Mt Kenya electorate. Many voters, particularly in Central Kenya, view him as a key architect of Gachagua’s downfall, a perception that has eroded his support base.

“Politics is about loyalty,” says Murache. “Ichung’wah was seen as one of the key figures who helped remove a fellow Mt Kenya leader from power. That kind of political betrayal is not easily forgotten,” he adds.

Ichung’wah has tried to downplay these concerns, arguing that his actions were in the best interest of the region. “We must focus on development, not political distractions,” he said during a recent parliamentary session.

What next for Ichung’wah?

With his diminishing influence in Ruto’s inner circle, Ichung’wah faces an uncertain political future. If Ruto continues to sideline Kikuyu leaders in favor of Mt Kenya East figures like Ruku and Kindiki, Ichung’wah may find himself further isolated.

However, political analysts say that his strong grassroots network and past loyalty to Ruto could still give him a lifeline. Whether he manages to regain his standing within Ruto’s government or becomes another casualty of shifting political alliances remains to be seen.