Ichung’wah says opposition lacks clear agenda, divided

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichng'wah/FILE

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah has criticised opposition leaders, saying they lack a clear agenda.

Ichung’wah said the opposition is fragmented, with different factions pursuing separate political interests instead of building a united front capable of presenting an alternative leadership vision for the country.

Speaking in the National Assembly, he urged political leaders to be cautious with their public statements, warning against incitement, hate speech and divisive politics.

He said leaders should focus on policies and ideas that improve the lives of wananchi rather than relying on insults and ethnic mobilisation for political relevance.

“For many of us as political leaders, let us be cautious of what we say in public. Let us know when you incite people, you will not be there when those people are fighting, but you will also not be safe,” Ichung’wah said.

He added that leaders who have nothing to offer apart from hostility and division should reconsider their approach to leadership.

“Let us be cautious when we are selling hatred, and if you have nothing else to sell other than hatred, please, you can look for something else to do rather than look for political leadership,” he said.

The Kikuyu MP also dismissed efforts by some opposition figures to brand themselves as an alternative government, saying leadership requires more than criticism of rivals.

According to him, a credible political alternative must be based on ideas, policy proposals and solutions to challenges facing Kenyans.

“I saw a group of some confused people calling themselves an alternative government. And I wondered, how can you be an alternative government when you have no idea of anything?” he said.

Ichung’wah said the public is more interested in leaders who can address issues such as the high cost of living, employment opportunities, healthcare and development, rather than political hostility.

“The people of Kenya will never vote for you on account of or based on how much hatred you sell or how many names you call people and insult them,” he said.

“The people of Kenya want to see leaders who can articulate issues that touch on the lives of the people of Kenya.”

He further said internal divisions within the opposition had weakened its ability to function as a serious political force, noting that different leaders and parties appeared to be moving in separate directions.

Ichung’wah said one faction was trying to position itself as an alternative government, while others, including Jubilee, were pursuing independent political paths.

“Even when they are calling themselves a disunited opposition, they were so disunited that they have disintegrated,” he said.

“Now I hear one faction is calling itself alternative nothing. Another one is moving around by herself. I hear the Jubilee team is also working to move on their own.”

Despite his criticism, he called for political cohesion and responsible leadership across the political divide, saying both government and opposition leaders should promote unity and national stability instead of deepening divisions.

His remarks come amid increased political activity and shifting alliances as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.