National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah has revealed his efforts to bridge the political divide between President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said his take on the country had evolved.
During an interview on Wednesday, December 11, Ichung’wah shared that he had advised Ruto to engage with Kenyatta in the spirit of national unity and reconciliation. “I had a very candid engagement with the president and I asked him also reach out to our former president and let’s engage. Okay, Because I can see where you are going. I feel it and I see the confidence that you have when I share that confidence,” he stated.
Ichung’wah, who once served under Kenyatta as a first-time MP under Uhuru’s first term in office, reflected on their past relationship. However, Ichung’wah disclosed that their relationship with Kenyatta soured after 2018, though he chose not to delve into the details. “President Uhuru Kenyatta was my president for 10 years, I worked under him as a first-time MP.
Under his mentorship and that of then-deputy president William Ruto. Grew a friendship with the deputy president and worked with him over the years. Beyond 2018 broke ranks with President Kenyatta for reasons that I don’t to discuss here. Uh, and that was it…we went to no campaigns, and we won, and that was it for me,” he said. Why did Ichung’wah champion Uhuru-Ruto talks Despite their political differences, Ichung’wa noted that his perspective on the country’s politics had evolved over ten years.
The Kikuyu MP explained that he was no longer a first-time lawmaker and could see what the country needed. “But sitting where I sit now as Majority Leader, holding a constitutional office under Article 108 of the Constitution in National Office, I am no longer a first-time MP. I have a better view of the nation than 10 years ago.
The Kimani Ichung’wa who walked into parliament in 2013 and reelected unopposed in 2017 is not Kimani Ichung’wa of today,” he explained. He further revealed his crucial role in Ruto’s talks with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, pointing out that the conversation started through him too.
by Didacus Malowa
