Kimani Ichung’wah Responds to ‘Ruto’s Wife’ Jibe, Warns Leaders Inciting Public
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has hit out at leaders allegedly paying youths to insult others and criticize the government on social media. Speaking in Uasin Gishu County on Friday, January 10, 2025, Ichung’wah warned that he would confront such leaders directly.
Addressing the claims that he is being referred to as “Ruto’s Wife” for his unwavering support of the President, the Kikuyu Member of Parliament stated that such remarks would not deter him from defending the administration.
“I hear they are calling me ‘Ruto’s Wife’ on social media for siding with the President. That won’t stop me from admonishing tribalistic leaders who are sowing division by paying youths peanuts to portray the government negatively,” Ichung’wah said.
The Majority Leader also issued a stern warning to governors opposing President William Ruto’s administration, urging them to cooperate and focus on service delivery. He criticized certain leaders for inciting the public and undermining the government, calling for unity to advance the development agenda.
“There are some governors here making noise; should we deal with them or not?” he asked the crowd. “Governors should behave like gentlemen and work with the President. Let the President and his deputy focus on other jobs benefiting Kenyans and leave dissenting voices to me.”
Ichung’wah’s remarks follow a recent clash with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother. Ichung’wah accused Natembeya of incitement and urged him to assist the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with information regarding abductions if he had any.
“If you know the abductors, Governor Natembeya, provide the information to the DCI for investigation. You were a Regional Commissioner when people were abducted and killed in Kerio Valley. Did you not value Kenyans’ lives then? The politics of dividing Kenyans on tribal lines and incitement will not succeed,” Ichung’wah declared.
In response, Natembeya defended his calls for an end to extrajudicial abductions, urging Ruto’s administration to address the issue. He criticized Ichung’wah’s remarks, accusing him of disrespecting families grappling with the disappearance of their loved ones.
“The reason some political leaders find it necessary to insult me is because I boldly told the President to order the end of abductions and ensure the release of abducted youths. These families are undergoing untold trauma,” Natembeya stated.
The exchange underscores growing tensions between leaders over critical national issues, with calls for unity and respect dominating the political discourse.
