National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has moved swiftly to quell rumours of a fallout with President William Ruto, dismissing reports of tension as “fake news from the gutter press” designed to generate media followers.
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament, a key ally of the President, took to his official social media accounts on Wednesday to address growing speculation. His statement comes just a day after he delivered a forceful speech in Parliament reminding the Executive of the legislature’s constitutional powers, including impeachment—a speech widely interpreted as a sharp response to the President’s own warnings.
“Ignore all this fake news,” Ichung’wah urged Kenyans. “While the Constitution gives Parliament immense powers as the legislature, we DO NOT threaten anybody, let alone the President, who is our team leader.”
The apparent friction stems from comments made by President Ruto during a joint parliamentary group meeting on Monday. The President issued a stern warning, vowing to apprehend MPs engaged in corruption, alleging that many, particularly those serving on powerful committees, were demanding bribes to influence parliamentary outcomes.
“They are collecting money in the name of Parliament, and sometimes that money never gets to Parliament. Instead, it ends up in the pockets of a few individuals. We are not going to shame them; we are going to apprehend them,” Ruto declared.
A day later, during a parliamentary session, Ichung’wah appeared to respond. In a bold address, he underscored the supremacy of Parliament, stating, “This House has powers under this Constitution to impeach those in the Executive, and those in the Executive can do nothing to remove you from office.”
He emphasized that legislative oversight is not a favour but a constitutional duty performed on behalf of the people. “Therefore, Mr. Speaker, when we oversee the Judiciary and the Executive… we do not do it as a favour to anybody. Not to the president, not as a favour to those serving in the Executive. We do it on behalf of the people,” he asserted.
However, in his subsequent clarification, Ichung’wah sought to reframe the narrative, presenting a picture of a unified government with complementary roles. He fully acknowledged the President’s right to oversee all arms of government.
“As the President, he has every right to state his views on any subject, including the work of the legislature, and call out what he may think needs to be rectified. That is the role he plays as President,” Ichung’wah stated. “We respect that as much as we appreciate our role in oversight.”
He affirmed his commitment to working with President Ruto, whom he described as a “fundamental piece” in ensuring the Kenya Kwanza administration delivers on its promises to Kenyans.
“We work independently but with complementary roles to deliver on our agenda. That is what we are focused on and respect William Samoei Ruto not just as the President but also as our team leader,” he added.
The exchange highlights the delicate and often tense balance of power between the Executive and the Legislature, even within a ruling coalition. While Ichung’wah’s statements have publicly reaffirmed loyalty, they also serve as a powerful reminder of the separate and formidable authority wielded by the National Assembly.
