Kiambu Politics: Kimani Ichung’wa On The Spot Over Skewed Allocation Of Development Funds

Even as deputy president Rigathi Gachagua tries to unite Kiambu county leaders, their differences are growing daily over skewed allocation of development funds.

And on the spotlight is Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa who stands accused of using his position as national assembly majority leader to favour his constituency in allocation of national government’s development kitty.

Ichung’wa is also being accused by Governor Kimani Wamatangi of using his position and closeness to William Ruto to fight other leaders.

The Kikuyu MP is said to harbour gubernatorial ambitions in the 2027 general election.

Last week, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba raised the issue of skewed national government development agenda when she challenged Ichung’wa to explain why his constituency got the lion’s share of the money allocated for roads.

The combative MP wondered whether the resource allocation formula was fair given that her constituency, which has over 104,000 registered voters got less than Ichungwa’s Kikuyu which has 98,000 voters for constructing and maintenance of roads.

The MP referred to Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) 2023 tender notice where Kikuyu got Sh1,456,000,000 which is about 94.4pc out of the Kiambu county’s share of Sh1,541,890,000 from the national kitty.

She said the other 11 constituencies are to share 5.6pc of the funds.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba

The Githunguri lawmaker stated that KeRRA allocated Kikuyu 63pc of the total amount, which translates to Sh220 million out of the total Sh350 million allocated to all Kiambu’s 12 constituencies.

“Whereas I appreciate Kikuyu getting some development, we should be fair in the sharing. If we are rewarding number of votes, I think Githunguri had more loyalty voters than Kikuyu by over 6,000 whom Ruto should reward.

“No wonder some politicians have consistently frustrated our push for one man, one shilling policy so as to use their privileges over others,” the MP who referred to herself as Nyakang’a wa Githunguri said.

Last weekend, Gachagua was in Kiambu where he asked political leaders to concentrate on service delivery and desist from spreading propaganda and idle talk.

The deputy president also called on politicians from Kiambu county, to tone down on high octane politics and leadership wrangles and focus on working for their people.

Speaking at ACK St Mark’s New Kamiti Parish, in Kiambu Town constituency, Gachagua said leaders should focus on social and economic development instead of engaging in endless politicking.

“The president and I, are focused on the job. The other leaders should focus on their jobs and service delivery too. The country needs us and citizens have great expectations. Let all leaders focus on service delivery, that is what Kenyans expect from us,” he said.

“Some of us have no time for petty politics, we are busy people with a lot of work to do. We have no time to listen to nonsense, theatrics and drama. We want to focus on the job that we were given by Kenyans,” he added.

Gachagua spoke amid heightened political talk and activities across the political divide over the 2027 elections and declaration of political ambitions.

On Kiambu politics, the deputy president asked leaders to unite and work together, adding that he will soon convene a meeting to address their differences.

“It pains me a lot to see leaders tearing each other apart. I appeal to the leaders to work together for the development of the county. Kiambu is important to Ruto and I, as it gave us a lot of votes in 2022. I will convene a meeting to find a lasting solution on any squabbles. Please tone down on the high-octane politics,” he stated.

The deputy president spoke after a section of the county leaders engaged in an exchange of words at the event over the leadership of the devolved unit and gubernatorial aspirations.

The fundraiser, overseen by Humphrey Waweru, sought to raise Sh20 million for the completion of the church’s construction.

During the service, Gachagua commended the church for its positive influence on society.

Gachagua was accompanied by Kiambu governor Ichung’wa, Kimani Wamatangi, Juja MP George Koimburi, Kabete MP Githua Wamacukuru and Kiambu senator Karungo Thangwa, among other leaders.

Wamatangi stressed the need for integrated unity for the sake of development and rallied all leaders to support Gachagua’s unity efforts.

“We recognise Gachagua as our leader, we don’t have any other deputy president. Mt Kenya region will collaborate harmoniously to support Gachagua’s initiatives,” Wamatangi affirmed.

Ichung’wa pledged support for Gachagua and the president in implementing UDA’s manifesto.

He also urged Wamatangi to be accountable for public resources, citing concerns raised by the Auditor General regarding accountability in Kiambu.

Senator Thangwa echoed Ichungwa’s sentiments and urged MCAs to exercise their oversight roles and fulfill their mandates.

He expressed support for Gachagua as a unifying force particularly in Kiambu county and the whole of Mt Kenya region.

Koimburi expressed strong support for Gachagua’s development initiatives in the Mt Kenya region, highlighting the region’s appreciation for the deputy president’s efforts.

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya warned against Mt Kenya MPs being manipulated to oppose the deputy president.

Gakuya specifically addressed Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo’s actions during Gachagua’s visit to his constituency, stressing the need to respect Gachagua’s position.

Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a echoed the sentiments and expressed unwavering support for Gachagua as the region’s kingpin.

Later the DP visited Stephen Ndung’u, a retired councilor in Tiekunu, Ndeiya Limuru constituency who mentored him.