Kenya’s National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah assured President William Ruto on Sunday that Kiambu County would deliver more votes for his 2027 re-election than any other region, reinforcing loyalty from a key stronghold despite visible political tensions at a church event.
The pledge came during a fundraiser at the Africa Inland Pentecostal Church Assembly (AIPCA) in Gatundu North Diocese, attended by Ruto, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and other leaders. The service, however, was marred by brief chaos as supporters of Wamatangi and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a clashed, highlighting underlying rivalries in the county.
“Tensions flared at the AIPCA church service in Gatundu North as supporters of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and MP Alice Ng’ang’a clashed in front of President Ruto.”
Political tensions surface amid unity calls
What began as a routine Sunday service quickly turned chaotic when rival factions interrupted proceedings. Reports described shouting and scuffles as supporters vied for prominence, prompting Ruto to intervene and call for unity among Kiambu leaders.
Information, Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo later apologized to the president for the disruption. Ruto, undeterred, donated 57 million Kenyan shillings ($440,000) to the church and inspected ongoing construction at the AIPCA Karure Cathedral of Grace.
Addressing the congregation, Ruto urged local politicians to set aside differences. “We must work together for the people of Kiambu and Kenya,” he said, emphasizing development over division.
Ichung’wah highlights infrastructure gains
Ichung’wah, speaking directly to Ruto, tied the county’s anticipated support to visible progress under the administration.
“Your Excellency, even in 2027, Kiambu County will give you more votes than any other region in the country,” he declared. “In Kiambu, we are not living on promises but in the reality of transforming from a Third World to a First World country.”
He pointed to major road projects, including the dualling of the Western and Northern bypasses and upgrades along the Muthaiga-Kiambu road. Ichung’wah shared a personal anecdote about severe traffic on the Thika Superhighway, noting a recent trip from Parliament to Kenyatta University took over an hour.
He praised Ruto’s Jamhuri Day announcement two days earlier of a new expressway from Museum Hill in Nairobi to Thika town, spanning approximately 45 to 60 kilometers. The project aims to ease chronic congestion on one of Kenya’s busiest corridors.
National Infrastructure Fund on horizon
Ruto told worshippers that his Cabinet would approve the National Infrastructure Fund on Monday, describing it as a pivotal step toward making Kenya a developed economy. The fund, projected to mobilize up to 5 trillion shillings ($38.5 billion), would finance large-scale projects nationwide, including roads and railways.
The president framed the initiative as a “generational strategy” to accelerate development and safeguard national assets.
The AIPCA Gatundu North Bishop echoed political support, declaring that the broader Mount Kenya region would back Ruto’s re-election.
Broader implications for Mt. Kenya vote
Kiambu and the larger Mount Kenya region have long been crucial vote banks for Kenyan presidents. Ruto secured strong support here in 2022, but analysts have speculated about potential erosion amid unfulfilled promises on jobs, economic empowerment and other issues.
Sunday’s event underscored lingering internal frictions, including leadership contests ahead of future county races. Yet allies like Ichung’wah insisted tangible projects would solidify backing.
Political observers note that while isolated disruptions occur, Ruto’s camp has maintained cohesion in the region, countering earlier challenges from figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
As 2027 approaches, such public pledges from influential leaders signal efforts to lock in the Mount Kenya bloc early. With infrastructure at the forefront, Ruto’s administration appears focused on delivering visible results to sustain enthusiasm in one of Kenya’s most populous and politically weighty areas.
