There was a verbal confrontation between Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi during a public rally held in Meru County on Saturday, April 9.
Munya, who had convened the public meeting, was addressing the attendees when Mwirigi, an ally of Deputy President William Ruto arrived at the venue with his supporters in tow.
In a video clip seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the Cabinet Secretary took a jibe at the MP - who is also the youngest sitting legislator - accusing him of being disrespectful to elders.
The CS claimed that the 28-year-old politician betrayed the Head of State by shifting allegiance to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party even though President Uhuru Kenyatta had personally gifted him his first car.
"John Paul Mwirigi is an example of President Uhuru Kenyatta's good work in this region. He was invited to State House and the President personally bought him his first car. He should know that you do not disrespect someone who has adopted you as a son," the Agriculture CS remarked.
Munya, who was the host of the event, then invited the MP to make an address but Mwirigi immediately took the chance to defend his decision to back Deputy President William Ruto.
He argued that he had decamped from Jubilee since Ruto had offered help in the region at a time when they needed it the most.
"I have never had a problem with any politician since I was elected in 2017 and my politics is not that of insulting others or hiring youths to shout down my opponents. I have decided to stick with Deputy President William Ruto because he came through for me when I needed help, I will be supporting his presidential bid and will seek re-election on a UDA ticket," the MP remarked.
Munya was visibly angered by Mwirigi's speech - arguing that he had taken too much time to address the gathering.
He attempted to ask him to conclude his speech claiming that he, Munya, had another urgent meeting to head to which then escalated the confrontation.
Mwirigi, who still had the microphone, turned to the CS claiming that MPs employed him and that he was supposed to be answerable to Parliament.
"You are a CS and it is us as MPs who have employed you..." the youthful MP stated before Munya's handlers took away the microphone.
The CS, who did not take the jibe lying down, hit back at the lawmaker refuting that he was employed by MPs including Mwirigi.
"There is no job you have given me, alaah. Do I look like John Paul Mwirigi's employee? I gave him a chance to greet people at my meeting but you have no respect," the CS castigated the legislator.
The two camps, Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza (headed by Ruto) have launched aggressive campaigns in the Mt Kenya Region with experts predicting that the region offers the determining vote in the upcoming election.
