Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa Distances Himself from Agriculture CS Appointment Claims

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has publicly distanced himself from remarks made by the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, regarding the selection of the current Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Andrew Karanja. In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Thang’wa clarified that he was not consulted during the selection process, contradicting Ichung’wah’s earlier statement.

Ichung’wah had previously claimed that President William Ruto had sought input from legislators in the Mt Kenya region when choosing a suitable candidate for the Agriculture CS position, and that they collectively agreed on Karanja. However, Senator Thang’wa disputed this assertion, emphasizing that he was neither consulted nor involved in the decision-making process.

“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 that process,” Thang’wa stated. He further expressed that had he been consulted, he would not have recommended the current CS, as he was not familiar with him. Thang’wa was quick to add that his stance should not be interpreted as a judgment on Karanja’s capability, but rather as an expression of his unfamiliarity with the nominee.

Thang’wah’s Take on ODM CS Nominations

Thang’wa, a known ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, also highlighted what he perceived as a missed opportunity for the Mt Kenya region to field some of its notable political figures in President Ruto’s cabinet. He compared the nominations by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which included prominent names such as Ali Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi, and John Mbadi, arguing that the Mt Kenya region could have put forward equally prominent figures.

“While ODM put forward notable names such as Joho, Oparanya, Mbadi, and Wandayi, I could have recommended prominent figures from Kiambu, including Moses Kuria, William Kabogo, Ferdinand Waititu, Ndindi Nyoro, Maara, Waikenda, Jungle, Wakanyi, etc.,” Thang’wa noted. He suggested that the involvement of such political heavyweights could have strengthened the region’s representation in the cabinet.

Ichung’wah-Gachagua Row Deepens

The disagreement between Ichung’wah and Thang’wa is part of a broader ongoing tiff between Ichung’wah and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. On Tuesday, Ichung’wah reignited tensions by challenging Gachagua’s assertion that he had successfully quelled dissent in the Mt Kenya region. Ichung’wah claimed that the Mt Kenya region, which currently has seven cabinet secretaries and Gachagua in the cabinet, should demonstrate gratitude rather than engaging in what he described as sabotage and blackmail of the president.

“When President Ruto was appointing his new cabinet, he called us MPs from Kiambu and requested us to go and find someone for the Agriculture CS position,” Ichung’wah said, asserting that the Mt Kenya legislators were involved in the selection process. His remarks came shortly after he criticized Gachagua during the thanksgiving ceremony of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi in Siaya County, where he noted the stark contrast in how different regions responded to their appointments.

Ichung’wah pointed out that while the Siaya region, which has only two cabinet secretaries, displayed gratitude, the Mt Kenya region, despite its larger representation, often seemed unappreciative. “One thing I’ve learnt from this region; is they have been given only two CSs but they are very grateful. We have more than seven CSs and the deputy president; we should appreciate this and not sabotage and blackmail the president,” Ichung’wah remarked.

Political Implications

The public disagreement between key political figures in the Mt Kenya region underscores the ongoing power struggles and differing perspectives on representation and loyalty within the ruling coalition. As the region continues to navigate its political landscape, the need for unity and cohesive leadership remains critical in ensuring its voice and interests are effectively represented in the national government.