Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) officials from Murang'a County have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah over his controversial statements about the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, 23 July, officials claimed that if the Kikuyu lawmaker failed to withdraw his statement and issue a public apology to the DP's family within 48 hours, legal action would be taken against him.
The majority leader had suggested that Gachagua was experiencing marital woes and was under the control of the former first lady.
The DCP officials not only branded the statements as disrespectful but also noted that they contravened cultural norms.
"As Murang'a DCP party fraternity, we have given Kikuyu MP a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw your statements because if you don't, we will have to take this matter to court," one of the officials said.
"Elders should now come out and cleanse this man because his statements are uncalled for. You cannot insult your Mother in front of people, yet you are a leader many people look up to. We don't have faith in any leader who dispenses insults."
According to the officials, human rights organizations, as well as the international community, and other government officials, should step in and demand action against the MP.
"I would like to urge government officials, human rights organizations, and the international community not to keep quiet when such things are happening, because the MP's statements aim to instil fear in Pastor Dorcas," another official said.
The lawmaker's comments have drawn backlash from Kenyans, with some labelling them as reckless and dishonourable, urging him to focus his criticism on Gachagua, rather than his spouse or family.
In her response, Pastor Dorcas, who accompanied the former DP in his two-month tour in the United States, dismissed Ichung'wah's claims, asserting that it was nearly impossible to undermine Gachagua.
According to Pastor Dorcas, no amount of public opinion would erode the respect, love, and support she had for her husband.
“That is why sometimes when he allows me to speak first is not because I heard I 'sit on him'. How can you sit on a man like this, who is causing the whole nation not to sleep?” Pastor Dorcas said.
“A man whom the President, the Deputy President, and MPs hardly stop talking about. I keep hearing them say Wamunyoro. Is that the kind of man you think your claims could apply to? You are such liars,” she added.
