Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has come under heavy criticism following controversial remarks involving Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the spouse of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a video circulating online, Ichung’wah is heard mocking Gachagua’s ‘wantam’ slogan, dismissing it as nothing more than a household phrase.
He further claimed that Gachagua was preoccupied with politicking at the expense of his union with Pastor Dorcas, comments that have triggered public outrage and backlash on social media.
The MP made the remarks while speaking in Kajiado Central during an empowerment programme attended by senior national and county leaders.
Many Kenyans online have condemned the remarks as disrespectful and inappropriate.
@peacepatriot254 wrote: “Waaaah, may the Church and women clergy please detest this utterance? This is immoral.”
@itsCephasMakini questioned: “What are NCIC and EACC doing about this issue? This is very wrong. Such characters are unfit to hold public office.”
@Mkenyadammu added: “When you have nothing intelligent to say, say nothing. To stoop to this level is embarrassing.”
@mwitihh criticised religious leaders present at the event, saying: “The bishops are parked in their holy seats, grinning like they just heard a heavenly dad joke, clearly finding the whole thing hilariously divine!”
Ichung’wah and Gachagua have publicly clashed in recent months, with tensions escalating after Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024.
Ichung’wah, seen as a powerful figure in Parliament, was reported to have rallied MPs in support of the motion to impeach Gachagua over alleged constitutional violations and what was termed "political thuggery"—allegations Gachagua strongly denied, calling the process politically driven.
Their rivalry deepened in June 2025 after Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of attempting to harm his parents, highlighting a growing power struggle within Kenya’s political elite ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Amid the fallout, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has been criticised for failing to summon politicians making inflammatory statements.
The commission, however, blamed limited funding for its inaction.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Commissioner Danvas Makori said NCIC was developing open-source software to monitor and address rising online hate speech but stressed the need for more resources.
“There is a perception that NCIC is ineffective and should be abolished, yet we have achieved a lot despite our challenges. We urge the government to fund us so we can conduct preventive work and help de-escalate conflicts,” Makori said.
The NCIC had requested Sh750.5 million for the 2025/26 financial year. However, the Budget Policy Statement allocated Sh568 million—identical to the current year's funding—leaving a shortfall of Sh182.5 million.