One Dead as Kiambu Politicians' Feud Turns Violent

The recent violent altercation in Thika town on Friday afternoon has unveiled a deep-rooted power struggle among local politicians vying for control over a substantial Sh55 million market project in Kiganjo, Kamenu Ward.

The incident has left one man fatally shot dead, several residents injured, and heightened political tensions within the region. At the heart of the conflict lies a dispute between Kamenu Ward Representative Peter Mburu and Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a who led opposing groups each claiming legitimacy over the proposed market's construction. The confrontation escalated on Friday when Mburu's supporters erected temporary stalls. At the same time, Ng'ang'a arrived with a contract and reinforcements, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa, Gabriel Kagombe, Elijah Njoroge, and Ngoliba Ward MCA Joachim Njama, asserting that the project was a national government initiative.

Tragically, amidst the chaos, an unidentified man was shot and later succumbed to his injuries at Thika Level Hospital. His body, bearing physical injuries and a bullet wound, remains unclaimed. Kiambu Police Commander Michael Muchiri confirmed the fatality but expressed uncertainty regarding the perpetrator's identity. Compounding the gravity of the situation, a circulating video depicts Gatundu South Member of Parliament Gabriel Kagombe firing his gun into a crowd during the confrontation, allegedly after being summoned by police sources to record a statement.

Reports reveal that Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a and her Kikuyu counterpart Kimani Ichung'wa have been embroiled in a dispute with Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi. They have accused the governor of falsely taking credit for projects funded by the national government. Governor Wamatangi has vehemently denied these allegations, labelling them as a political scheme aimed at discrediting him ahead of the upcoming 2027 General Election where Ng'ang'a is running for the Kiambu governorship. This power struggle is not an isolated incident; Ng'ang'a, Ichung'wa, and Wamatangi have previously clashed during a visit by the head of state and his deputy to the region.

Efforts by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to reconcile the trio have thus far been unsuccessful. Ng'ang'a and Ichung'wa, both close allies of President William Ruto and his deputy, wield significant influence in the region's political landscape. As the investigation into the tragic incident continues, tensions remain high, and the underlying political rivalries threaten to further escalate the situation.