Ichung'wa Dismisses Uhuru's Claims of Betrayal in Kenyan Politics

The ongoing political tensions between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the current administration have escalated, with both sides exchanging barbs.

At a recent ordination ceremony for two Catholic bishops in Nairobi, Uhuru cautioned the church about the dangers of betrayal in politics. In response, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has suggested that the former president himself feels betrayed by Azimio leader Raila Odinga's decision to run for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson. Ichung'wah, representing President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a church fundraising event in Nyeri town, urged Uhuru to support Raila's bid for the AUC role.

He asserted that Raila's decision to run for the position comes from his recognition of the current administration's commitment to revitalizing the economy and alleviating the burden of rising living costs on Kenyans. The Majority Leader emphasized that rather than criticizing Raila, the former president should endorse his candidacy for the AUC chairpersonship. According to Ichung'wah, if a consensus cannot be reached among African Union member states, the support of two-thirds of the member nations would be required to secure the position for Raila.

In an address at the Episcopal ordination of Bishops-Elect Simon Peter Kamomoe and Wallace Ng'ang'a, the former President implored the Church to remain a steadfast guardian of Kenyan citizens' rights. He emphasized the Church's crucial role as society's moral compass, urging them to continue advocating for the well-being of the people. Kenyatta further stressed the importance of national unity and development. He called upon Kenyans to embrace peace and actively contribute to building a better future for their nation. "Let us demonstrate love for one another," he declared, "and empower the Church to fulfil its sacred duty of safeguarding the rights of all Kenyans."

The Majority Leader's remarks spotlight the complex political dynamics at play, as the Ruto administration seeks to consolidate its power and push forward its economic agenda. Ichung'wah also accuses Uhuru of attempting to obstruct the implementation of the final National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report. He alleges that the former president influenced Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa to reject the report, despite having initially signed it. Ichung'wah states that Wamalwa had initially agreed to the report's contents during the meetings but changed his stance upon Uhuru's instruction.

Undeterred by Wamalwa's decision, the Majority Leader vowed that the implementation of the Nadco report would proceed, asserting that Kenya would remain a peaceful nation with or without Uhuru Kenyatta's approval.