President William Ruto has called for unity among Kiambu leaders following a public clash between Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a over the county's 2027 gubernatorial race.
Speaking in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, on Sunday, December 14, after the exchange, the president urged the leaders to focus on development and service delivery, warning against premature politics and campaigns.
"The way we have seen unity in this church. I urge the leaders of Kiambu County, let's be united too. Because there is strength in unity," the president noted.
"Politics have heated up here. The election in January is for UDA, not for the governor. Relax, in 2027, elections will come, and everyone will be elected according to what they have done," he continued.
The president also insisted that he was ready to work with all the leaders from the county, refuting reports of a falling out with Governor Wamatangi.
"I am ready to work with all leaders to ensure that everything we promised the people is delivered," he stated.
The tension unfolded moments earlier when MP Ng'ang'a, while addressing the gathering, openly declared her intention to vie for the Kiambu governorship in 2027.
"Very soon, I will be the county boss. Nowadays, I walk everywhere in Kiambu County. They call me Mama Simba," Ng'ang'a told the crowd.
Her remarks were followed by comments from Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia, who referred to Ng'ang'a as the incoming governor while describing Governor Wamatangi as outgoing, a statement that appeared to provoke the sitting governor.
Responding sharply, Governor Wamatangi dismissed the assertions, insisting that he remains firmly in charge and confident of retaining the seat.
"We agreed as the people of Kiambu that politics will wait until 2027. I am the sitting governor and the governor-to-be. If there was any doubt, now you know who the incoming governor is," Wamatangi stated.
The exchange drew attention to rising political temperatures in Kiambu County, with leaders already positioning themselves for the 2027 general election despite calls from the president to prioritise unity and development.
Apart from Ng'ang'a and Wamatangi, the Kiambu gubernatorial race for 2027 has already drawn several political heavyweights positioning themselves as potential candidates.
Patrick Wainaina, a businessman and former Thika town MP, as well as a 2022 aspirant, and former Kiambu governor James Nyoro, have also declared their candidacy.
Internal rivalry among Kiambu leaders, particularly between the governor and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah, is influencing the county's political dynamics.
A group of legislators from the county is also pushing for the county to elect a woman governor in 2027, with Nganga and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba seen as potential candidates.
