National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has dismissed claims of personal hostility between him and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that their differences are purely political.
Ichung’wah said he also maintains a cordial relationship with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro despite their contrasting political positions and occasional public disagreements.
Speaking during an interview with a vernacular television station on Sunday night, the Kikuyu MP blamed Gachagua for creating the impression that the two are enemies, saying he personally harbours no ill feelings towards anyone.
“Ndindi is my friend; we are not enemies. Even Gachagua, we are not enemies. He is the one who creates enmity; personally, I do not have enmity with anyone. I usually speak the truth, and you have the discretion to perceive me the way you want,” said Ichung’wah.
His remarks come against the backdrop of a bitter political fallout with Gachagua following the latter’s dramatic impeachment as Deputy President in October 2024.
Ichung’wah, who played a leading role in the National Assembly proceedings that culminated in Gachagua's removal from office, became one of the former Deputy President's fiercest political critics.
Gachagua subsequently branded the Kikuyu MP a traitor to the Mt Kenya region, accusing him of betraying the political interests of the community by spearheading the impeachment process.
The two have since remained on opposing sides of the country's political divide, with Gachagua leading the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and Ichung’wah remaining a key ally of President William Ruto.
However, the Majority Leader's latest remarks appear to suggest that he is keen to distinguish political competition from personal relationships.
The Kikuyu MP also sought to distance himself from speculation surrounding possible candidates from Mt Kenya who could be considered for the position of Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Among those whose names have featured in political discussions are Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Ndia MP George Kariuki, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Laikipia West MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Ichung’wah, however, ruled himself out of the race, declaring that he was not interested in becoming Deputy President.
“I do not want the position of the Deputy President,” he asserted.
He further dismissed speculation that he was positioning himself to contest the Kiambu gubernatorial seat in 2027.
The MP maintained that his priority was serving the people of Kikuyu Constituency, distancing himself from what he described as speculation about his political ambitions.
His comments come at a time when political alignments in the Mt Kenya region are increasingly taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections, with competing camps seeking to consolidate support and influence the region's political direction.
