MP Ichung'wah Struggles to Defend Ruto Administration in Al Jazeera Grilling

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah faced rigorous questioning in a recent Al Jazeera interview concerning allegations of extrajudicial killings, abductions, and corruption within President William Ruto’s administration.

The February 27 interview saw Ichung’wah defend the government's record while also suggesting a potential departure for Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. The interview comes amidst rising concerns from human rights organizations and the opposition regarding the Ruto administration's commitment to upholding fundamental rights. Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International-Kenya, pressed Ichung’wah on the alarming rates of abductions and killings of dissenting voices, urging executive action to address the issues.

Ichung’wah accused Muturi of politicizing the abduction issue, implying that Muturi’s recent criticisms stemmed from personal grievances linked to his removal as Attorney General during the Gen Z protests and knowledge of his impending cabinet removal. Muturi had disclosed that his son was abducted by government security agents during the 2024 Gen Z protests and only released after President Ruto's intervention, claims Ichung’wah said he only learned of through the media.

Ichung'wah acknowledged the administration's current unpopularity but contested the characterization of it as "super unpopular." He pointed to the struggling economy inherited by the Ruto government and highlighted initiatives such as the affordable housing program and agricultural subsidies as evidence of efforts to reduce the cost of living. The interview also addressed the Kenya Kwanza 2022 manifesto, revealing that a limited number of the 281 promises made have been partially fulfilled.

Ichung’wah argued that it is premature to judge the administration's performance within two years, referencing their five-year term. He further noted that many unfulfilled promises were addressed in the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report, which included recommendations for creating the position of Prime Minister for opposition leader Raila Odinga.

While Ichung’wah stated that the administration did not condone extrajudicial killings or abductions, when questioned about the government's failure to ratify the Convention on Enforced Disappearances, he acknowledged deaths resulting from demonstrations but maintained that police intervention was necessary when protests turned violent. He assured that the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating police conduct and holding officers accountable.

Ichung’wah defended his previous statements regarding abduction victims and challenged critics to provide concrete evidence of corruption. He admitted to a personal net worth close to one billion shillings, countering claims of five billion. Panelist Moses Lang'at defended the Ruto administration, asserting that it is a victim of propaganda and unfairly judged without factual basis.