Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah Criticizes DP Gachagua for Divisionist Politics Over WhatsApp Group Claims
During the launch of the second edition of the Chepsaita Marathon registration exercise, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah delivers a sharp rebuke to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, criticizing the DP’s recent remarks on national television and accusing him of stoking divisive politics.
Gachagua’s Friday night interview sparked significant political discourse after he alleged that he had been removed from a WhatsApp group that provided him with access to President William Ruto’s itinerary. He expressed concerns over what he perceives as a deliberate effort to isolate him from key government activities, hinting that his removal is part of a broader scheme by individuals close to the president to marginalize him within the administration.
The Deputy President went further, calling on President Ruto to shield him from these individuals, claiming they continuously undermine his authority and position. He warned of ongoing secret night meetings and mobilizations aimed at orchestrating his impeachment, an assertion that stirred widespread reactions in the political landscape.
In his response, Majority Leader Ichung’wah criticizes Gachagua for what he calls divisive and tribal politics, accusing the DP of unnecessarily fueling tension within the government. “Wengine wanalia wameondolewa kutoka WhatsApp group, lakini sisi tunawaambia Wakenya waingie kwa WhatsApp group ya kuunganisha taifa. Siasa za kugawanya Wakenya kwa misingi ya kikabila hazina nafasi katika Kenya ya leo,” Ichung’wah states firmly. He underscores that the focus should be on unity and inclusivity, rather than sowing discord based on personal grievances.
Accompanied by several Members of Parliament and Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President Ruto, Ichung’wah assures Kenyans that President Ruto and over 100 MPs will participate in the upcoming marathon, scheduled for December 7. He emphasizes that the event is not just a sporting occasion but a powerful symbol of national unity, one that brings together leaders and citizens across political divides.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch (ODM), also present at the event, echoes Ichung’wah’s sentiments, warning against the dangers of divisive politics. “Tunataka viongozi wetu waache siasa za mgawanyiko, hii nchi ni ya kila mtu,” Oketch asserts. He calls for leaders to prioritize national cohesion, urging that political differences should not lead to the breakdown of the country’s unity.
As political tensions rise, Ichung’wah and other leaders at the event make repeated calls for solidarity and calm. The launch of the second edition of the Chepsaita Marathon serves as a timely reminder, according to them, of the need to focus on issues that bring Kenyans together. With the marathon itself poised to draw participation from over 100 MPs and numerous citizens, Ichung’wah stresses the importance of coming together in the spirit of teamwork and collective progress.
Ichung’wah’s criticism of Gachagua appears to mark a broader shift in how the president’s allies are responding to the Deputy President’s recent moves. While Gachagua has positioned himself as a defender of certain interests within the government, his statements—particularly concerning alleged impeachment plots and exclusion from key decision-making circles—have drawn increasing concern from other political leaders. They see such claims as fueling unnecessary division at a time when the government should be focusing on unity and national development.
Despite the rising political tension, Ichung’wah and his colleagues maintain that their focus remains on advancing a broad-based, inclusive government agenda, aimed at benefiting all Kenyans. Their message is clear: there is no place for tribalism, factionalism, or division in the country’s leadership, and leaders must rise above personal differences to deliver for the people.
Ichung’wah’s remarks are widely viewed as part of a larger effort by senior government officials to quell emerging rifts within the administration and refocus political discourse on service delivery. His strong words at the marathon registration launch signal a broader push to promote unity, not just within the government but across the country, at a time when political differences threaten to spill over into the public arena.
As the marathon gears up for its December 7 event, it remains to be seen whether Gachagua’s recent comments will further strain relations within the administration, or if leaders like Ichung’wah will succeed in steering the national conversation back towards unity and development.
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