National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah. Photo/X
By Wanderi Kamau
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa has long been seen as a powerful political figure in Mt Kenya, rising from a staunch critic of past administrations to becoming President William Ruto’s top ally and the National Assembly Majority Leader.
However, his recent political maneuvers have drawn sharp criticism from his own region, with some residents and leaders branding him a “betrayer” of Mt Kenya interests.
From spearheading the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, pushing for the removal of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro from a key parliamentary position, and his past attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ichung’wa is increasingly viewed as a leader who has turned against his own people for political survival.
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His latest comments on the possible ouster of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi have further fueled speculation that he is actively working to consolidate power at the expense of other Mt Kenya leaders.
The fall of Rigathi Gachagua: Ichung’wa’s role in the ouster
The most damning accusation against Ichung’wa is his alleged role in Gachagua’s impeachment earlier this year. The former Deputy President, who had positioned himself as the undisputed Mt Kenya kingpin, was seen as a stumbling block in Ruto’s administration. Ichung’wa, alongside other powerful figures in Kenya Kwanza, reportedly led the charge to remove Gachagua, leaving Mt Kenya politically vulnerable.
Many in the region believe that rather than defending one of their own, Ichung’wa orchestrated his downfall to secure his own political ambitions.
Political analyst Anthony Ikonya sees this as part of a historical pattern where Mt Kenya politicians align themselves with the ruling regime at the expense of their community.
“It is sad that Ichung’wa has turned into the Betrayer-in-Chief of his community. However, this is a trend that we have witnessed since the times of former President Daniel Moi, as we had politicians like JJ Kamotho, who was Moi’s mouthpiece in Mt Kenya,“ Ikonya explains.
A history of political fights: The Uhuru Kenyattta feud
Ichung’wa’s troubles with Mt Kenya did not begin with Gachagua’s ouster. His long-running feud with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta also left deep political scars in the region.
During Uhuru’s final term, Ichung’wa was among the most vocal critics of the Jubilee administration, accusing it of economic mismanagement and neglecting Mt Kenya. His most controversial remark came when he suggested that “grabbed land belonging to rich people will be reclaimed and handed over to Kenyans.” Many saw this as a direct attack on the Kenyatta family, which owns large tracts of land.
At the time, Ichung’wa’s fierce opposition to Uhuru made him popular. But with Gachagua gone and Uhuru in retirement, many in Mt Kenya now question whether Ichung’wa’s attacks were genuine or just a political strategy to get closer to Ruto.
The Ndindi Nyoro fallout: Another betrayal?
Ichung’wa also played a key role in the removal of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro from his influential position as Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee. Nyoro, another strong Mt Kenya politician, was accused of allocating excessive funds to his constituency at the expense of other areas.
While Ichung’wa defended the move as ensuring fair resource distribution, many saw it as yet another attempt to eliminate potential rivals within the region. Nyoro’s removal reinforced the perception that Ichung’wa is working to weaken other Mt Kenya leaders while strengthening his own grip on power.
The Justin Muturi issue: More political purging?
Ichung’wa has continued to send signals that he is not done with his political battles. In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, he openly hinted at the imminent removal of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, a fellow Mt Kenya leader.
“He’ll soon be out of Cabinet. I can confirm that,” Ichung’wa stated.
This remark has added to growing concerns that Ichung’wa is actively facilitating the political downfall of key figures from Mt Kenya while solidifying his influence within Kenya Kwanza. Some residents now fear that the region is losing its voice in government, with Ichung’wa acting more in Ruto’s interest than Mt Kenya’s.
Is Ichung’wa playing politics or betraying his people?
Despite the growing backlash, some political analysts argue that Ichung’wa is simply playing smart politics rather than betraying his community.
Political commentator Martin Andati believes that Ichung’wa’s actions are part of a calculated strategy to position himself as Mt Kenya’s new political kingpin within Kenya Kwanza.
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“Ichung’wa is not selfish. He is playing his cards like just any other politician. He wants to elevate himself as the face of Kenya Kwanza in Mt Kenya at the expense of the remaining ones,” says Andati.
According to this view, Ichung’wa’s moves—though controversial—are meant to secure his political future rather than deliberately undermine Mt Kenya. By staying loyal to Ruto and eliminating competitors within the region, he is positioning himself as the ultimate power broker in the post-Gachagua era.
The Road ahead: Can Ichung’wa rebuild trust?
Ichung’wa’s political future in Mt Kenya will depend on how well he manages the growing perception that he has abandoned the region. With the 2027 elections approaching, he must work to convince residents that his actions benefit them rather than just himself.
His biggest challenge will be winning back the trust of those who feel he has sacrificed Mt Kenya’s interests for political gain. If another strong leader emerges—perhaps a revived Gachagua or a resurgent Ndindi Nyoro—Ichung’wa could find himself politically vulnerable.
For now, he remains a powerful but controversial figure in Mt Kenya politics. His ability to maintain influence will depend on whether his political maneuvers ultimately deliver tangible benefits for his people or confirm fears that he is simply advancing his own ambitions at the region’s expense.
