Kimani Ichung’wah Faces Backlash after Denying Viral Video Alleging Impeachment Threats: "You Said"
- A controversial parliamentary statement by MP Kimani Ichung'wah circulated widely online, sparking heated reactions on social media platforms
- The legislator issued a clarification, stressing loyalty to his party’s leadership while emphasising constitutional mandates of parliamentary oversight
- His online response drew mixed reactions from Kenyans, leading to accusations of inconsistency and eventually forcing him to restrict public comments
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has dismissed claims that he threatened President William Ruto with impeachment following the circulation of a viral video.
Source: Facebook
Ichung’wah, who made the remarks in parliament on Tuesday, August 19, while MPs debated Ruto’s bribery allegations against lawmakers, insisted his words had been misinterpreted.
In the clip, the Kikuyu MP asserted that parliament had constitutional powers to oversight the Executive and Judiciary, noting that MPs could not be removed from office by the Executive.
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"This House has powers under this constitution to impeach those in the Executive, and those in the Executive can do nothing to remove you from office," Ichung'wah stated.
His remarks fueled online speculation that he was issuing veiled threats against the president.
What did Ichung'wah say about Ruto's impeachment threats?
However, in a clarification shared on his Facebook page, the UDA lawmaker maintained that parliament was committed to working independently but in complementarity with the Executive.
Source: Facebook
He stressed that legislators respect Ruto both as head of state and as their team leader.
“The Constitution gives parliament immense powers as the legislature. We do not threaten anybody, let alone the president, who is our team leader. We work independently but with complementary roles to deliver on our agenda. That is what we are focused on and respect William Samoei Ruto," Ichung’wah said, emphasising that Ruto has every right to express his views on governance matters.
"We respect that as much as we appreciate our role in oversight of the other arms of government. As a Legislature, we also recognise the need to uphold the dignity and integrity of the institution of parliament as the President has stated.”
Despite his denial, the clarification sparked backlash, with many Kenyans accusing him of doublespeak.
The legislator later restricted comments on his post after an influx of critical reactions.
How did Kenyans react to Ichung'wah's denial?
Benard Kogo
"What was the meaning of the speech you gave in the house that members have the power to do as it is required of them and shouldn't feel threatened?"
Mercy Murungi
"Mr Kimani, you did say it, and note that President Ruto didn't say that the parliament is corrupt, but some leaders in the parliament are. Why so much noise and outcry? Are you guilty?"
Maina Kariuki
"The post could have stated the requisite constitutional clauses, NA standing orders and any other relevant statutes to sound parliamentary."
Wairegi Samuel
"That's what you said... out of the heart the mouth speaketh."
Stella Gacheri Kinoti
"You are denying even the videos and clips."
Dis Mus
"But you have to explain what that video meant, you talked about impeaching a member of the Executive, who else were you referring to if not President William Ruto?"
Dexx Ndegwa
"The only mistake they made was to shout about it. You will be out of the majority leader position before the end of this year. Take this to the bank, Ichung'wah."
Why Ruto's anti-graft task will not start work
Meanwhile, High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye halted the operations of Ruto’s newly formed anti-corruption team.
The decision followed a petition filed by activists Magare Gikenyi, Eliud Karanja Matindi, Philemon Abuga Nyakundi, and Dishon Keroti Mogire.
The petitioners argued that the president’s decision to constitute the Multi-Agency Team (MAT) was unconstitutional.
Ruto unveiled the MAT on August 18, 2025, tasking it with enhancing investigations, prosecutions, and recovery of stolen assets.
The initiative was placed under the Executive Office of the President, with the Attorney General’s office designated to run its Secretariat.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
