Ichung'wah hits back at Nyoro on corruption, privatisation claims

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani accuses Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro of seeking political mileage by condemning practices he once benefited from. [File, Standard].

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has dismissed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s criticism of corruption, privatisation and heavy borrowing, accusing him of hypocrisy and double standards.

Ichung’wah alleged that Nyoro had previously diverted budgetary allocations meant for other projects in his constituency, arguing that some leaders were now seeking political mileage by condemning practices they once benefited from.

“There were claims of unfair budget distribution where some MPs were allocated funds for water pans and boreholes to buy political allegiance. In offices at the KICC, some parastatal heads queued with bags of money, while agencies were denied allocations to create slush funds for political activities,” he said.

Ichungw’ah also revealed that President William Ruto’s allies from the Mt Kenya region were mobilising to strengthen their bargaining position ahead of the 2027 General Election. He insisted that the region remained the ruling United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) political bedrock and dismissed claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua still wielded significant influence there.

According to Ichung’wah, leaders allied to Kenya Kwanza have lined up a series of grassroots activities to consolidate support for President Ruto, even as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) engages the President in talks over possible cooperation, including negotiations over the running mate slot.

“The President has told ODM to organise themselves, and he has told us the same. That is why UDA is holding grassroots elections on January 10,” Ichung’wah said, adding that UDA remained the political home of Mt Kenya leaders.

He argued that regions seeking influence in the next government must demonstrate their political value through mobilisation and voter turnout.

“The question of a running mate is determined by the stakes each region brings — how well you mobilise and what you bring to the table,” he said. “You cannot expect to be picked if you are not bringing enough votes or if you are likely to drive others away.”

Ichung’wah noted that the choice of a running mate ultimately remains a personal decision of the presidential candidate, recalling the 2022 debate in which President Ruto selected Mr Gachagua despite resistance from some UDA leaders.

Mt Kenya CSs

He maintained that Mt Kenya had enjoyed significant representation in Ruto’s administration, listing seven Cabinet Secretaries, 16 Principal Secretaries and a Deputy President — more than any other region. By contrast, ODM, he said, had four Cabinet Secretaries.

“We can see the value of being in government as a people, and we cannot afford to lose it,” he said.

Using the Mbeere North by-election outcome, Ichungw’ah dismissed claims that Gachagua was the region’s political kingpin, arguing that Mt Kenya voters made independent, interest-driven choices.

“Leadership in this region does not emerge from self-declaration. People decide who to follow based on their interests,” he said.

Ichungw’ah also rejected claims that Parliament had become an extension of the Executive, defending the National Assembly’s performance while acknowledging that some MPs were facing allegations of bribery and extortion.

He said cases involving errant MPs were before the Powers and Privileges Committee, noting that some members had been removed from influential committees for abusing their positions.

“We will continue to take action against any member whose conduct brings disrepute to the House,” he said.