In a recent visit by President William Ruto to Kiambu County, political tensions flared as local leaders engaged in public displays of power, exposing deep-seated rivalries and ambitions for the upcoming 2027 elections.
The battleground appears to be centered around Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who finds himself challenged by a coalition of influential politicians led by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, and Senator Karungo Thang’wa, all eyeing the gubernatorial seat in the next elections.
During a public event attended by the President, Ng’ang’a openly declared her intent to challenge Wamatangi in 2027, sparking mixed reactions from the crowd. Meanwhile, Ichung’wah has reportedly garnered support from various quarters, including County Woman Rep Anne Wamuratha and several MPs and MCAs, intensifying the political warfare against the incumbent governor.
At the heart of these supremacy battles lies the control of public resources, with the coveted 700-acre Del Monte land parcel looming large. Leaders across the county are vying for a share of this prime real estate, leading to accusations against Wamatangi of hoarding public land and protecting vested interests.
The rift has not spared the County Assembly, where factions have emerged aligning with either Wamatangi or Ichung’wah. Allegations of interference in assembly affairs and intimidation tactics have been leveled against Ichung’wah, further exacerbating tensions within the political landscape.
MCAs have come forward with claims of receiving directives from Ichung’wah to oppose Wamatangi under threat of losing party support in the next elections. However, Ichung’wah defends his actions as part of his duty as an elected representative to hold the government accountable.
While Ichung’wah and his supporters maintain their criticism is driven by genuine concerns, others view it as a calculated attempt to undermine Wamatangi’s authority. MPs like Gathoni Wamuchomba have accused Ichung’wah of orchestrating conflicts to destabilize the county leadership and garner support for his political agenda.
Wamatangi, on his part, attributes the attacks against him to disgruntled politicians and “tenderpreneurs” seeking to exploit county resources for personal gain. He remains steadfast in his commitment to serving the people of Kiambu and resisting external pressures.
President Ruto, in response to the escalating tensions, has urged leaders to prioritize service delivery over political maneuvering. He expressed dismay at the infighting and vowed to convene a meeting with Kiambu leaders to address the issues plaguing the county.
As the political landscape continues to evolve in Kiambu, the power struggle among local leaders threatens to destabilize the county’s progress and overshadow its development agenda. With the 2027 elections looming, the stakes are higher than ever, setting the stage for a protracted battle for political supremacy.