Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has revealed a key disagreement in the Kenya Kwanza camp before the 2022 elections.
He said National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah strongly opposed the choice of Rigathi Gachagua as President William Ruto’s running mate.
Tension Before the 2022 Election
Speaking at the burial of Ichung’wah’s father, Mzee Isaac Ngugi, Cheruiyot recalled the tense moments within the alliance.
“I remember very well, a few months before the election, when a certain decision was made. Time has proved who was right,” Cheruiyot said.
Ichung’wah Stood His Ground
Cheruiyot narrated how Ichung’wah refused to support Gachagua’s nomination. He even skipped the official unveiling at Ruto’s Karen residence.
“When I called him, I told him, ‘You are a team member. Once a decision is made, you must live by it,’” Cheruiyot said.
“But Kimani told me, ‘Aaron, you know me very well. For me, black is black and white is white. That was a wrong decision.’”
Fallout Between Ruto and Gachagua
At first, Cheruiyot thought Ichung’wah had miscalculated. However, he later admitted the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua proved him right.
Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 after a bitter fallout with the president. Kithure Kindiki, then the Interior Cabinet Secretary, replaced him as deputy president.
“Over time the country has come to realise Kimani was right. That was absolutely a wrong decision,” Cheruiyot said.
Ruto Praises Ichung’wah
President Ruto also attended the burial. He praised Ichung’wah for his loyalty and sacrifice.
“This man Kimani has taken many bullets on my behalf. He has carried huge burdens, even more than my own brothers,” Ruto said.
The president promised to stand by Ichung’wah the same way he has stood by him.
