President Ruto was attending a service at the AIPCA Gatundu North Diocese in Karure, where several leaders from Kiambu County gathered alongside local residents.
What was meant to be a spiritual gathering briefly turned political as leaders took turns addressing the congregation.
Tension rose when MP Kururia, while introducing Governor Wamatangi to speak, appeared to downplay his position.
Tension rose when MP Kururia, while introducing Governor Wamatangi to speak, appeared to downplay his position.
In his remarks, the MP referred to Wamatangi as the outgoing governor and went on to openly endorse Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a as the next governor of Kiambu County.
The remarks immediately drew attention, as Wamatangi and Ng’ang’a are known political rivals. Both leaders have previously declared interest in contesting for the Kiambu governorship in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a highly competitive race.
When Governor Wamatangi rose to speak, he first addressed development issues affecting Kiambu County, outlining progress made by his administration and reaffirming his commitment to service delivery. However, he later turned his focus to the political statement made by Kururia.
The governor firmly rejected the suggestion that his time in office was coming to an end. He maintained that he had delivered on his promises to the people of Kiambu and deserved a second term based on performance.
Wamatangi urged leaders in the county to slow down on politics and instead focus on serving residents. He reminded them that elections were still some time away and that early campaigning distracted leaders from their responsibilities.
“Let us keep off politics for now. Politics will come in 2027,” Wamatangi said.
The remarks immediately drew attention, as Wamatangi and Ng’ang’a are known political rivals. Both leaders have previously declared interest in contesting for the Kiambu governorship in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a highly competitive race.
When Governor Wamatangi rose to speak, he first addressed development issues affecting Kiambu County, outlining progress made by his administration and reaffirming his commitment to service delivery. However, he later turned his focus to the political statement made by Kururia.
The governor firmly rejected the suggestion that his time in office was coming to an end. He maintained that he had delivered on his promises to the people of Kiambu and deserved a second term based on performance.
Wamatangi urged leaders in the county to slow down on politics and instead focus on serving residents. He reminded them that elections were still some time away and that early campaigning distracted leaders from their responsibilities.
“Let us keep off politics for now. Politics will come in 2027,” Wamatangi said.
“Sometimes a lion is rained on and people mistake it for a cat. We are prepared. When the right time comes, we will face politics head-on.”
Without mentioning names directly at first, the governor made it clear that he was not intimidated by early endorsements or political talk.
Without mentioning names directly at first, the governor made it clear that he was not intimidated by early endorsements or political talk.
He stressed that he remains the sitting governor and intends to defend his seat when elections are held.
Wamatangi later addressed Kururia directly, faulting him for questioning his political strength. He told the congregation that leadership is earned through the people and not declared by fellow politicians.
“I am the current governor and the one to be,” Wamatangi said confidently.
Wamatangi later addressed Kururia directly, faulting him for questioning his political strength. He told the congregation that leadership is earned through the people and not declared by fellow politicians.
“I am the current governor and the one to be,” Wamatangi said confidently.
“Do not doubt it. If there is any doubt, look at the people and listen to their voices.”
As he spoke, sections of the crowd responded with cheers, which the governor used to emphasize his claim of continued support among Kiambu residents.
The incident highlighted the growing political tension within Kiambu County as leaders quietly position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
As he spoke, sections of the crowd responded with cheers, which the governor used to emphasize his claim of continued support among Kiambu residents.
The incident highlighted the growing political tension within Kiambu County as leaders quietly position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Despite the early stage, alliances and rivalries are already becoming visible, even in public and religious gatherings.
President William Ruto, who witnessed the exchange, later addressed the leaders and urged them to maintain unity. He cautioned against allowing political competition to interfere with development and service delivery.
The President reminded the leaders that voters elected them to work, not to engage in constant political battles. He stressed that premature politicking was unfair to wananchi who expect tangible results.
“Time for elections will come,” Ruto said.
President William Ruto, who witnessed the exchange, later addressed the leaders and urged them to maintain unity. He cautioned against allowing political competition to interfere with development and service delivery.
The President reminded the leaders that voters elected them to work, not to engage in constant political battles. He stressed that premature politicking was unfair to wananchi who expect tangible results.
“Time for elections will come,” Ruto said.
“For now, leaders must focus on delivering services to the people who entrusted them with responsibility.”
Ruto’s remarks appeared to be a call for calm amid rising political temperatures in the county. He encouraged leaders to resolve differences respectfully and work together for the benefit of Kiambu residents.
Ruto’s remarks appeared to be a call for calm amid rising political temperatures in the county. He encouraged leaders to resolve differences respectfully and work together for the benefit of Kiambu residents.