Cabinet Secretaries Taken through the New Design of Thika Stadium
CSs Soipan Tuya and Salim Mvurya Caught in Kiambu Political Crossfire at Thika Stadium Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 10,000-seater Thika Stadium descended into a political showdown between Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and the Kiambu County leadership allied to Governor Kimani Wamatangi.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Defence today February 2, 2026, which is overseeing the KSh850 million project, attracted top national government officials and local leaders.
Tension flared as supporters from rival political camps traded insults shortly after dignitaries arrived at the venue, forcing security officers to intervene to calm the situation.
When she took the podium, Ng’ang’a criticised Wamatangi for skipping the ceremony, branding him “a coward” and accusing him of failing to deliver development for Kiambu residents.
The MP further declared that the new stadium would host national celebrations in the future and warned the governor against sending representatives to major events.
However, Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika who represented Wamatangi dismissed the remarks, insisting the governor was on his way but could not appear due to unavoidable circumstances.
She emphasised that the stadium project symbolised cooperation between the national and county governments, noting that several county-funded facilities at the site would be preserved.
Cabinet Secretaries Soipan Tuya (Defence) and Salim Mvurya (Sports) sought to steer the gathering back to its development agenda, assuring residents that Kiambu would benefit from the government’s nationwide sports infrastructure programme.
He further dismissed claims that traders’ stalls near the stadium would be demolished, terming such reports as propaganda.
Tuya echoed the call for unity, warning leaders against turning development functions into political battlegrounds.
EALA MP Maina Karobia who was also present supported the new development saying it will facilitate sports development in the region.
He also urged the government not to demolish the existing facilities that local traders use to make a living.
Despite the heated exchanges, construction of the stadium is expected to proceed as scheduled, with government officials promising closer collaboration between the national and county administrations to ensure timely completion
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