Why president Ruto rebuked Wamatangi during Githurai tour

Thang'wa claimed that during the meeting, Wamatangi veered off-topic and began discussing irrelevant matters, including his removal from a WhatsApp group. Allegedly, Wamatangi disregarded the guidance provided by the Deputy President.

Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa claimed on Wednesday that the ongoing disputes between Governor Kimani Wamatangi and the Members of the County Assembly (MCA) have caught the attention of President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

During a press interview, Thang’wa asserted that Ruto confronted Wamatangi during a visit to Githurai after the governor clashed with senior officials from Kenya Kwanza, the political party.

Reportedly, Ruto stated to Wamatangi , “You joined this party late, and if you cannot align with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, then you are not with us.”

According to Thang’wa, the President instructed the governor to familiarize himself with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, given his late entry into the party ahead of the 2022 General Election.

The exact date and context of the Githurai event were not disclosed by Thang’wa. Ruto’s only visit to Githurai was on August 5, 2023, as part of his tour of the Central Region.

Read also:Waititu Urges Embattled Wamatangi to Reconcile with MCAs

However, Thang’wa added that Ruto’s involvement came after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and himself attempted to mediate and resolve the conflict between MCAs and Wamatangi.

Thang’wa recounted, “We organized a meeting for dialogue with MPs from Kiambu County and the Governor. I requested the Deputy President to host us for discussions.”

Thang’wa claimed that during the meeting, Wamatangi veered off-topic and began discussing irrelevant matters, including his removal from a WhatsApp group. Allegedly, Wamatangi disregarded the guidance provided by the Deputy President.

The MCAs have persistently accused Wamatangi, a former Kiambu Senator, of undermining them and mishandling funds. These accusations were refuted by the governor, who counter-accused the lawmakers of blackmail. Some reports suggested that certain MCAs sought control over road tenders and bursary management.

Read also: Unveiling the Power Play Driving the Push to Impeach Wamatangi

Recently, a group of legislators threatened to impeach the Governor, following a motion discussed at the county assembly on April 26. They alleged corruption and mismanagement, specifically mentioning the purchase of Ksh100 chicks at Ksh1,000 each.

While inaugurating projects in the county on Tuesday, Wamatangi maintained his innocence. He expressed willingness to collaborate with MCAs dedicated to the county’s development, implying that others were pursuing personal interests.

An anonymous source within Kiambu County alleged that the chicks were acquired from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), without specifying the cost.

This source also accused Senator Thang’wa of colluding with MCAs to undermine Wamatangi.

Furthermore, Wamatangi’s challenges intensified during a bursary distribution event in Ruiru, where disturbances erupted, prompting police intervention. His aides escorted him to safety as a group of residents demanded that bursary issuance be handed over to the MCAs.