Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah has given a detailed account of what he believes marked the beginning of his political fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, tracing it back to a tense meeting at the official residence in Karen.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Ichung’wah accused the former Deputy President of attempting to intimidate Members of Parliament and pressure President William Ruto during internal government disagreements.
Karen Meeting Claims
Ichung’wah alleged that while Gachagua was still Deputy President, he invited him to his Karen residence where he raised concerns over alleged political pressure targeting MPs from the Mount Kenya region.
He claimed the meeting quickly escalated into a confrontation over leadership style and political influence.
“When he was deputy president… I went to his house in Karen, the official residence,” Ichung’wah said.
He further alleged that he told Gachagua he would not be intimidated, referencing past political experiences under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“You know Uhuru Kenyatta as president could not intimidate me… you are the deputy president today,” he said.
Allegations of Pressure and “Blackmail”
Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of attempting to rally MPs through pressure tactics, claims that have fueled ongoing political tension between the two leaders.
He said he warned the former Deputy President against using threats to influence lawmakers, insisting that dialogue was the only acceptable approach.
“Don’t blackmail. Don’t threaten,” he said, adding that he advised him to engage directly with the President.
Claims on Confidential Expenditure
The MP also made claims regarding a separate discussion on government spending, alleging that Gachagua had sought support to increase confidential expenditure allocations.
Ichung’wah said he rejected the proposal, citing his earlier position as chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, where he had opposed similar spending frameworks.
“I will not allow it in Parliament because it is wrong,” he said.
He further referenced Article 223 of the Constitution in relation to supplementary expenditure processes, suggesting that the proposal would have pushed spending beyond what he considered acceptable limits.
Additional Allegations
Ichung’wah also claimed that at the time, Gachagua was facing financial pressure related to outstanding obligations, including what he described as payments tied to hotel acquisitions.
The remarks add another layer to the widening political rift between key figures in the Kenya Kwanza administration and former allies from the Mount Kenya region.
Deepening Political Rift
The exchange highlights ongoing divisions within the ruling coalition, with senior leaders increasingly airing internal disagreements in public forums.
Neither Gachagua nor his representatives had publicly responded to Ichung’wah’s latest remarks at the time of publication.
As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 General Election, the fallout between the two leaders is expected to remain a major talking point in national politics.
