Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa on Wednesday denied claims that he attended a consultative meeting alongside Kiambu MPs which resolved to forward the name of current Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja for appointment to the broad-based cabinet.
In a post on his official X account, the senator vehemently denied the claims made by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah who on Tuesday, September 3 claimed that President William Ruto asked Kiambu MPs to put forward a name for consideration.
“As an MP representing Kiambu county as their senator, I want to clarify that I was not consulted in the selection of the new cabinet secretary from our county, nor was I invited to participate in the process,” Thang'wa posted.
The lawmaker further reiterated that even if he had been consulted, he would not have proposed the current CS as he does not know him and is not familiar with his track record.
Thang'wa further stated that had he been consulted, he would have settled on a political heavyweight like the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which proposed the names of Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi.
“I could have recommended prominent figures from Kiambu, including Moses Kuria, Kabogo, Waititu, Nyoro, Maara, Waikenda, Jungle, Wakanyi.” he argued.
On Tuesday, September 3, Ichung’wah while addressing his constituents during a political event claimed President Ruto consulted Mt. Kenya MPs extensively which he used as a basis to flog DP Gachagua for angling for more Mt. Kenya appointments.
“When President Ruto was making his new Cabinet, he called us MPs from Kiambu and asked us to go and find someone for the docket of Agriculture,” Ichung’wah said.
Ichung'wah described Gachagua as an opportunist, accusing him of blackmailing President Ruto with unrealistic appointment demands.
For several months now, DP Gachagua and Ichung'wah have been embroiled in a political supremacy war. The second in command has come under heavy scrutiny from a section of President William Ruto's allies for his Mt. Kenya unity push.
Gachagua has however been unapologetic and insisted he will continue advocating for a united Mt. Kenya to allow the region chart a united political path.
The Deputy President is seeking to replace President Ruto once he exits the political scene.
