Moses Kuria Slams Ichung'wah over His Remarks on Dorcas Rigathi: "Keep Families Out of Politics"
- A video of National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah using abusive language against Pastor Dorcas Rigathi angered Kenyans
- Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria issued a strongly worded statement criticising the Kikuyu MP
- Kuria explained why it was wrong for Ichung'wah to target former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's wife
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst Collins Njoroge said involving spouses in politics erodes respect and public decency
Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with TUKO. Enroll Now!
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Former economic advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, has heavily criticised National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.
Source: Facebook
On Monday, July 21, a viral video emerged capturing Ichung'wah using abusive language and unprintable claims against Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the spouse of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
What did Kimani Ichung'wah say about Pastor Dorcas?
In a video, Ichung’wah derided Gachagua’s ‘wantam’ slogan as a mere household phrase and asserted that Gachagua prioritised politics over his relationship with Pastor Dorcas.
The Kikuyu MP, who was speaking during an empowerment programme in Kajiado Central, cheekily said Gachagua's marriage could also be a one-term.
However, Ichung'wah's comments about Gachagua's marriage triggered public outrage and backlash on social media, with many terming them disrespectful and inappropriate.
Why did Moses Kuria criticise Kimani Ichung'wah?
The former Trade Cabinet Secretary issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) to condemn Ichung'wah's controversial remarks.
In his tweet, Kuria said the Kikuyu lawmaker was grossly out of order for dragging Pastor Dorcas into the mud just because of the mistake made by the former DP.
According to Kuria, families should be left out of political contests, given that the 2027 election might be vicious and bloody.
"When Rigathi Gachagua said that President Ruto asked him not to tag along his spouse to the National Prayer Breakfast because Mama Rachael was not there, I called him out on national TV for pettiness. By the same vein, Hon Kimani Ichung'wah is grossly out of order for dragging Pastor Dorcas Rigathi into the mud only because of her husband. Since the next phase of this war will be vicious and bloody, let us have our version of the Geneva Convention. Keep families out of politics!" Kuria said.
A section of Kenyans also took to social media to condemn Ichung'wah's remarks.
Zachary Theuri:
"This is stooping too low, mambo ya wamama unaingilia wapi? Muchene achia wamama bana."
Dan Kabaya:
"You didn't have to drag Riggy G on this comment! Just call out Ichung'wah....Families, even away from politics, are a no go Zone! Unwritten men's Rules."
Kavuli Bernard Kamau:
"Good news! Kikuyu Constituency voters are collecting signatures to recall their MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst Collins Njoroge observed that while political differences are expected, dragging non-political spouses into such battles undermines the values of decency and respect in public discourse.
“When politicians weaponise family relationships in their attacks, it reveals a concerning decline in political maturity. Our leaders must rise above petty insults and commit to engaging in issue-based politics. Personal attacks on spouses, who are not part of political contestation, only serve to inflame tensions and distract from matters of public interest,” Njoroge said.
How Ichung'wah, Gachagua differed
As reported earlier, Ichung'wah and Gachagua have been exchanging words over recent Gen Z protests.
The former Mathira lawmaker accused Ichung'wah and President William Ruto of masterminding acts of violence during recent Gen Z protests across Kenya.
However, Ichung’wah issued a statement dismissing the claims, which he termed as unfounded and malicious.
Ichung'wah, a close ally of the president, accused the ex-deputy president of inventing lies to deflect attention from his own political downfall and alleged role in fuelling unrest.
Did protesters target Ichung'wah's parents?
In an emotional and charged session on Wednesday, July 9, afternoon, Ichung'wah rose on the floor of the house, seething with rage.
In a no-holds-barred address to the House for nearly 45 minutes, Ichung'wah sensationally claimed Gachagua and his team hired goons to target his family during the Saba Saba protests of June 7.
Among those targeted by the goons, according to Ichung'wah, were his parents.
The National Assembly Majority Leader claimed his family survived an arson attack by a whisker.
He accused his political tormentors of harbouring vengeance and bitterness against him.
Ichung'wah told the House that his nemeses, led by the former DP, were hellbent on silencing him by all means, describing them as "vengeful men with a dark heart".
However, in a swift response, Gachagua dismissed Ichung'wah's allegations, stating that no one in his camp planned violence or even contemplated targeting anyone's family.
Gachagua accused the Kikuyu lawmaker of whipping emotions to attract public sympathy.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on alleged arson attack target Kimani Ichung'wah's parents.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
