Kimani Ichung’wah Heckled in Nyandarua During President Ruto’s Tour

Boaz Cheruiyot Thursday, April 03, 2025

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah faced a hostile reception in Ol Kalou on Thursday, April 3, during the launch of the Last Mile Connectivity program, part of President William Ruto's ongoing development tour of the Mt Kenya region.

Ichung’wah, a Kikuyu MP, was invited by President Ruto to address the crowd after the President's speech.

However, as soon as he began speaking, he was met with loud jeers and whistles from the crowd, which briefly interrupted his address. Despite the disruption, Ichung’wah attempted to continue speaking.

"No one can shout me down. I will not be intimidated," he asserted.

His efforts to calm the crowd by mentioning local affordable housing projects were met with louder protests.

After several attempts to regain control of the situation, Ichung’wah handed the microphone back to the President, concluding his address. Before doing so, he remarked, "No one can intimidate me here in Ol Kalou or anywhere in Nyandarua."

President William Ruto and Kimani Ichung'wah

Ichung'wah was not the only leader who received a rough welcome at the event. Nyandarua Woman Representative Gitau Faith Wairimu was also met with catcalls as she delivered her speech, a reflection of the dissatisfaction among a group of locals.

President Ruto, however, continued with his speech, announcing a series of development projects that were ongoing in the area, including the construction of eight markets to provide farmers with stable outlets to sell their produce.

He mentioned that procurement for these markets was underway and that some, such as those in Ndaragua and Mile Kumi, were 60% complete.

The incident marks the biggest act of heckling so far since President Ruto launched his five-day Mt Kenya tour on April 1.

The tour has seen the President visit Laikipia, Meru, and Kirinyaga, where he commissioned various development projects like the Last Mile Connectivity Programme and the remodeling of Ng'arachi Comprehensive School.