Speaking during a political engagement in Kiambu, Ichung'wah, a close ally of President William Ruto, dismissed suggestions that the region’s political direction can be dictated by any individual.
The National Assembly Majority Leader said voters from Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and other Mount Kenya counties are independent-minded and capable of making their own choices, regardless of endorsements from former or current leaders.
“Hakuna mtu amebebea watu wa Kiambu, Mt Kenya Region kura zao,” Ichung’wah said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
His remarks were widely seen as a direct jab at Gachagua, now a principal in the United Opposition, who has recently positioned himself as a key political voice in the region.
Gachagua has claimed strong grassroots networks and influence that could shape Mount Kenya’s voting patterns in 2027.
Ichung’wah, however, argued that Kenya’s democracy has matured, with voters prioritizing development records, economic policies and leadership credibility over ethnic kingpins.
He noted that President Ruto’s administration would continue engaging the region through tangible projects and inclusive governance rather than political threats.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Mount Kenya is expected to remain a critical battleground, with rival camps intensifying efforts to win over its vast electorate.
Ichung’wah’s comments underscore a growing debate over political ownership versus voter autonomy, a narrative likely to dominate campaigns in the months ahead.
For now, his message was clear: Mount Kenya’s votes belong to the people, not to any single politician seeking to crown himself kingmaker ahead of the next election cycle, a statement that sharpens political lines as alliances shift and ambitions grow louder across Kenya’s fast-evolving political landscape.
Observers say the exchange highlights early campaign tensions and competing strategies for influence within Kenya’s pivotal central bloc.