National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has dismissed claims of a fallout with President William Ruto.
On Wednesday, August 20, Ichung’wah issued a strong statement on his official social media page. The Kikuyu MP, a close ally of the president, urged Kenyans to treat the reports as deliberate propaganda aimed at chasing publicity.
Dismisses Fallout Allegations
Ichung’wah insisted that Members of Parliament hold significant authority, but they have never threatened the president or any other government official. He stressed his commitment to supporting Ruto’s administration, adding that he remains focused on helping Kenya Kwanza fulfill its promises to citizens.
“Ignore this fake news from gutter press created to attract followers. Parliament has immense powers as the legislature, but we don’t threaten anybody—certainly not the President, our team leader.”
— Kimani Ichung’wah, National Assembly Majority Leader
He added that while the legislature operates independently, their work complements the Executive’s goals.
“We work independently but with complementary roles to deliver our agenda. We respect William Samoei Ruto not only as President but also as our team leader.”
— Ichung’wah
Acknowledges President’s Oversight Role
Ichung’wah affirmed that the Head of State has the right to comment on matters involving Parliament, Judiciary, or Executive. He emphasized that the president’s oversight role is part of his mandate.
“As the President, he has every right to state his views on any subject, including legislative work. He can call out what he thinks should be corrected. That’s his role as President.”
— Ichung’wah
He further noted the need for mutual respect between arms of government, while protecting the integrity of Parliament.
Ruto’s Tough Talk on Graft in Parliament
Ichung’wah’s clarification comes just two days after President Ruto issued a tough warning against corrupt legislators. On Monday, August 18, Ruto condemned MPs and senators accused of demanding bribes in parliamentary committees.
“They’re collecting money in the name of Parliament, but it ends up in private pockets. We won’t shame them; we’ll arrest them.”
— President William Ruto
Ichung’wah’s Firm Response in Parliament
During a heated session on Tuesday, August 19, Ichung’wah reminded the House of its constitutional powers. He declared that MPs can initiate impeachment against any member of the Executive, including the president.
“This House has powers under the Constitution to impeach members of the Executive. They can’t remove us from office. Our oversight role isn’t a favour to anyone—not to the President, not to the Executive. We do it on behalf of the people.”
— Kimani Ichung’wah
His remarks highlighted the delicate balance between the Executive and the Legislature in Kenya’s governance.