Ichung’wah slams Gachagua over ‘ridiculous’ accusations

Kikuyu MP and leader of the majority, Kimani Ichung’wah.

Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has issued a strong response to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of spreading what he termed as “lies and unfounded claims” against the government and its leaders.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Ichung’wah dismissed Gachagua’s allegations as baseless and cautioned that they risk inflaming political tensions in the country.

He said he had refrained from engaging the former DP in public spats for months but felt compelled to speak out.

“For the longest time, I have resisted responding to his barrage of accusations out of respect for a man still recovering politically. But the line has been crossed. There comes a time when silence is no longer a virtue,” Ichung’wah said.

The Majority Leader accused Gachagua of harbouring resentment against President William Ruto and himself, which he claimed has led to reckless public statements.

“His bitterness and hatred have gone beyond personal differences. They now risk undermining our nation’s stability and democracy,” Ichung’wah stated.

He further challenged Gachagua’s assertions that his political challenges were engineered by others.

According to Ichung’wah, the former Deputy President is solely responsible for his own political woes.

“The only person responsible for Gachagua’s political missteps is Gachagua himself. His approach, marked by divisive politics and intimidation, led to his downfall,” he said.

Addressing recent incidents of unrest, Ichung’wah said individuals close to Gachagua facing charges in court were not victims but suspects linked to acts of violence and destruction.

He cited the arrest of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji as part of an ongoing legal process, dismissing claims of political persecution.

“Justice is not served at press conferences or on social media. If there is faith in their innocence, let it be proven in court. Accountability should not be mistaken for persecution,” Ichung’wah added.

The Majority Leader described events of June 25 as a “coordinated attempt to destabilise democracy,” alleging that in his constituency, lives were lost, properties were destroyed, and his own family homes were targeted.

He challenged Gachagua to address the evidence presented in court rather than making public accusations.

Ichung’wah also dismissed past claims, including the alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi, as lacking credibility.

“Such claims are distractions. The focus should remain on legal processes and evidence, not sensational narratives,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Gachagua held a press conference where he claimed President William Ruto had not fulfilled pre-election promises, particularly on creating jobs for the youth.

He further criticised the government for introducing what he termed “unnecessary taxes” that have strained Kenyan households.

“Please restore the dignity of the payslip, restore the capacity of the middle class,  the middle class will give jobs to these young people,” he stated.

The DCP leader warned that continued overtaxation is fueling public anger and disillusionment.

He challenged Ruto to be attentive to the voices of Kenyans, noting that the people are angrier due to the rising cost of living and punitive levies.

At the same time, Gachagua insisted that his political movement does not seek unconstitutional means to remove the President from office but aims to challenge him at the ballot in 2027.

“Relax. Nobody wants you out of government unconstitutionally. We want to face you on the ballot in August 2027,” Gachagua said.

He maintained that no one is interested in seizing power through unconstitutional means.

Earlier, while addressing a gathering in Kilimani, Nairobi, President Ruto reaffirmed his position that he will not be pushed out of office through protests or other illegal means.

“If they have plans, let’s meet in 2027. They should prepare their manifesto. There is no shortcut in between,” the President declared.

The escalating exchange underscores deepening divisions between key political figures, raising concerns about the tone of Kenya’s political discourse ahead of the next general election.