Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah has spoken about what he sees as the beginning of his disagreement with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, pointing to events that took place when both were serving in government.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Ichung’wah claimed that tensions started when Gachagua allegedly tried to pressure Members of Parliament and influence decisions at the highest level of government.
He said the situation led him to confront the then deputy president directly at his official Karen residence.
According to Ichung’wah, he raised concerns about what he described as attempts to intimidate lawmakers from the Mount Kenya region.
He recalled telling Gachagua that he could not be pressured into supporting any agenda through threats.
He referenced his past political experience, saying even during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, he did not give in to intimidation.
Ichung’wah said he made it clear that he would stand firm, even if other leaders chose to comply.
He claimed that Gachagua was trying to rally support among MPs through pressure, but insisted that such an approach would not work on him. He described himself as someone who would resist any form of political blackmail.
The legislator also spoke about a separate meeting after Gachagua held engagements in Nanyuki.
He said he advised him to change his approach and instead focus on building relationships with colleagues.
According to Ichung’wah, he encouraged dialogue and urged the former deputy president to engage the president directly rather than relying on threats.
Ichung’wah further made claims regarding financial matters, alleging that Gachagua had sought his backing to increase confidential expenditure from KSh 700 million to KSh 1 billion.
He said the proposal was to be pursued under Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows for additional spending under specific circumstances.
However, Ichung’wah said he declined to support the move, maintaining that such an increase would be inappropriate. He noted that during his time as chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, he had supported measures to limit such spending and was not willing to reverse that position.
He also alleged that at the time, Gachagua was facing financial pressure related to settling certain obligations, including payments linked to hotel investments.
