GEM: National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has dismissed opposition calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term, terming the campaign as empty rhetoric meant to divide Kenyans along tribal lines.
Speaking at a development forum over the weekend, Ichung’wah accused sections of the opposition of engaging in “tribal politics” and divisive narratives instead of focusing on the country’s development needs.
“When others say ‘one term’, I remind them that the Constitution gives them the right to speak. However, empty slogans will not transform the lives of Kenyans. You can shout ‘Ruto must go’, ‘Ichung’wah must go’… but that won’t change anything,” he said.
The Kikuyu MP emphasized that national development and economic empowerment are a shared responsibility, noting that even opposition leader Raila Odinga supported similar policies during his time in Azimio.
“Raila was advocating for affordable housing, quality education, and economic empowerment. These are the same priorities in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto. It’s time we focus on what unites us, not what divides us,” said Ichung’wah.
He lauded President Ruto’s administration for what he called “record-breaking” achievements in the education sector, including the employment of 100,000 teachers in under three years and the reduction of university fees to enhance access to education.
“This has never been seen before in any regime. Education is now within reach for many families,” he said.
Ichung’wah also took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua — currently in the United States — for making remarks about Raila Odinga’s political relevance.
“We saw him lecturing the former Prime Minister in the U.S., yet Raila has long fought for the common mwananchi — for widows and those neglected by the system, even during his days under KANU rule,” he said.
The forum also saw several lawmakers from Luo Nyanza throw their weight behind President Ruto’s re-election bid, citing inclusivity in his appointments and development agenda.
Nyando MP Jared Okelo praised Ruto for offering plum positions to ODM members, including the Chair of the Budget Committee (Samuel Atandi), and the Energy, Finance, and Attorney General dockets.
“President Ruto gave us five strategic positions, some of which we’ve never held since independence. That shows goodwill,” said Okelo.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng echoed the sentiments, accusing previous governments of sidelining the region.
“We were told we had no shares in government. But President Ruto remembered us even when we didn’t support him. This time, we shall reciprocate,” said Ochieng, signaling a possible shift in Nyanza’s political allegiance ahead of 2027.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege also weighed in, noting that the Kenya Kwanza administration has taken deliberate steps to empower women and youth across the country, thereby fostering national unity.
“We don’t want chaos. We want a peaceful and empowered nation. Every region must grow together,” she said.
The remarks come amid increased political realignment efforts as both government and opposition camps position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
