President Ruto Reads Riot Act to Kiambu Leaders, Urges Unity -

Ruto Reads Riot Act to Kiambu Leaders, Urges Unity

President William Ruto on Sunday read the riot act to Kiambu leaders, warning them against blame games and laxity while addressing challenges facing residents.

Speaking during a church service at Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) in Ruiru, the Head of State delivered a firm message, reminding elected leaders that they share a common mandate to serve the public.

“We were all elected by the same people—from MCAs to MPs, the Senator, the Woman Representative, the Governor, and myself. If things go wrong in Kiambu County, we will all be blamed. We are servants of the people, and we must work together,” said the President.

Ruto challenged leaders to stop pointing fingers whenever problems arise, citing recent tensions in Githurai as an example of issues that require joint solutions rather than political rivalry.

The President was responding to an appeal by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who had sought national intervention following the demolition of traders’ structures earlier in the week.

More than 1,600 traders were displaced after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) cleared roadside structures to pave the way for the construction of a modern bus bay aimed at easing congestion and improving road safety.

“We support the project, Your Excellency, but it would not cost anything for KeNHA officers to sit down with us, engage the traders, and offer facilitation—even Sh10,000 or Sh20,000—to help them relocate. Let them be more sensitive to what the traders are going through,” Wamatangi pleaded.

Ruto, however, stressed that leaders elected under the same administration must focus on solutions rather than escalation.

“Let us not ask who to blame. Let us ask how to solve the problem. You have the responsibility to deliver for the people of Kiambu, and I will ensure all development plans for this county are completed,” he said.

The event also became a platform for leaders to address divisions within Kiambu’s political leadership, particularly strained relations between the governor and a section of legislators.

Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha called for unity, urging leaders to prioritise service delivery over prolonged political disputes.

“We asked for votes, and not everyone was elected, so let us respect one another. The President is William Ruto, the Governor is Kimani Wamatangi, and I serve as the Woman Representative. Let us focus on working together for the people,” she said.

Thika Town MP Alice Wambui Ng’ang’a, who has declared interest in the Kiambu gubernatorial seat, reaffirmed her political ambitions, saying she would continue to campaign for what she termed a better future for the county.

A week ago, Cabinet Secretaries Soipan Tuya and Salim Mvurya found themselves caught in the crossfire of Kiambu politics during the Thika Stadium groundbreaking ceremony. Tensions flared as supporters from rival camps exchanged insults shortly after the dignitaries arrived, prompting security officers to step in and restore order.

The rivalry between Alice Wambui Ng’ang’a and Governor Kimani Wamatangi has increasingly spilled beyond political podiums to church functions, with both camps mobilizing their supporters in preparation for the high-stakes gubernatorial race set for next year.

Other leaders present, including host MP Simon King’ara and Gatundu South MP GG Kagombe, praised ongoing national government infrastructure and socio-economic projects and pledged cooperation to ensure residents benefit.

ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Beacco, and other senior government officials were also in attendance.

The President’s visit drew criticism from a section of youth who accused Presiding Bishop Benson Kamau of aligning too closely with the government.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Kamau dismissed the criticism, saying his convictions were grounded in faith and experience from the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA).

“This church has one of the largest numbers of young people—our Gen Z. Please stand,” he said, as youths rose to acknowledge the President.
“I have served as a member of AIPCA, and the courage you see in me comes from there. I will not be swayed by critics.”

Meanwhile, a U.S.-based Kenyan cleric, Charles Wachira, announced his resignation from a leadership role at the church’s U.S. branch, citing matters of conscience and spiritual responsibility.

In a statement issued Sunday, Wachira said his decision was guided by the need to uphold “spiritual leadership grounded in truth, righteousness, and the defence of innocent life.”

“The church must not appear indifferent to the suffering of the people,” he said, adding that leadership actions that create confusion or division among believers require a principled response.

He maintained that the resignation was not an act of rebellion but one of conviction, noting growing calls for justice and accountability, particularly among young believers.

President Ruto also pledged financial support to the church’s social programmes, committing Sh3 million annually for the next three years to assist vulnerable members, alongside Sh5 million to support the church’s Nyota initiative. He further promised to write a cheque to help the church purchase the premises it currently occupies on rent.

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