What You Need to Know
Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, has responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks made during the burial of MP David Kiaraho. Ichung’wah emphasized the need for political restraint at funerals and rejected allegations linking him to violence in his constituency, asserting that such claims are unfounded and disrespectful to the bereaved.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah has responded to remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made during the burial of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, urging restraint in political discussions at funeral events.
Speaking in Parliament, Ichung’wah stated that he had been mentioned repeatedly in connection with allegations circulating in political discourse, including claims that he had played a role in organising goons, assertions he firmly rejected.
“Somebody passed me a note, and I was mentioned 21 times. I’m told it was actually 27 times, but that tells you someone who is living in perpetual fear of the unknown,” he said.
He further questioned the logic behind allegations linking him to violence in his constituency.
“How would I have organised goons to go burn my house?” he posed, dismissing the claims as unfounded.
Ichung’wah also indicated that he had chosen not to respond to political statements made at a recent funeral event, saying he preferred to maintain respect for bereaved families.
“I am on record, and I said it… when I went to condole with the family of the late honourable Kiaraho, I do not, as a matter of principle, speak politics in funerals,” he said.
“Out of respect for the bereaved family and the departed soul.”
He noted that burial ceremonies should not be turned into platforms for political confrontation, adding that such occasions require decorum and restraint from all leaders involved.
Ichung’wah also dismissed accusations linking him to unrest in Kikuyu constituency, saying he remained open to engagement but would not tolerate criminal activity.
“We welcome everybody to our constituency to engage with the people of Kikuyu,” the Kikuyu MP said.
“We will, however, make sure police protect businesses from looting.”
He further cautioned against what he termed repetitive political attacks aimed at his name.
“If all you want is to come and mention Kimani Ichung’wah another 100 times, welcome. But that will not change anything with the people of Kikuyu.”
The remarks came amid political exchanges witnessed during a memorial service in Ol Kalou.
The memorial service, conducted by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), was largely intended as a solemn occasion but was marked by political undertones as the leaders made remarks reflecting ongoing political realignments.
In Kenya, political discourse often spills into public events, including funerals, which traditionally serve as solemn occasions for mourning. The intersection of politics and personal loss can lead to heightened tensions, as seen in recent events where leaders use such platforms to address political grievances. This trend reflects the broader challenges within Kenyan politics, where public figures frequently engage in verbal exchanges that can overshadow the intended purpose of memorial services.
