President Ruto Cautions Kiambu Leaders Amid Political Tensions Over Githurai Demolitions

President Ruto Cautions Kiambu Leaders Amid Political Tensions Over Githurai Demolitions

Kiambu, Kenya – President William Ruto has cautioned leaders in Kiambu County to put aside political rivalries and focus on unity, as tensions continue to rise following recent demolitions in Githurai.

Speaking during a church service at Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) on Sunday, February 22, the Head of State urged elected leaders, particularly those under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), to stop engaging in blame games and instead work collectively to address challenges facing the county.

“I am urging all leaders to stop the blame games and focus on addressing the challenges facing Kiambu County. You carry that responsibility because you were elected by the people,” Ruto stated. “If an issue arises, like the one we recently witnessed in Githurai, we should not resort to finger-pointing or singling out individuals. We are all in government, and it is our collective duty to find solutions.”

Governor Wamatangi’s Position

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who spoke earlier at the service, acknowledged the importance of development projects but criticized the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for what he described as unfair demolitions. He urged the President to summon KeNHA officials to discuss compensation for affected traders.

“Here in Githurai, as much as we want development, we really want it. It does not cost those gentlemen anything to come and sit with us so we can get a lasting solution. We can count those affected and compensate them even if it is Ksh 20,000 or Ksh 10,000 and everybody will be happy,” Wamatangi said.

KeNHA had recently demolished stalls along the Thika Superhighway after issuing a seven-day notice to traders. The traders defied the orders, prompting the authority to proceed with demolitions.

Political Undercurrents

The demolitions have reignited political tensions in Kiambu, where rival factions within UDA have been clashing. Thika Member of Parliament Alice Nganga, also present at the service, appeared to target Governor Wamatangi, vowing to traverse the county in her bid to become the next governor.

Her remarks drew the President’s attention, prompting him to call for peace and unity among leaders.

“This is not the right time to politic. We need to think about how we can make our country move forward. I will make sure I sit down with these leaders and ensure they read from the same script,” Ruto noted.

Historical Context

This is not the first time President Ruto has intervened in Kiambu’s political disputes. In late 2025, during another event in the county, Wamatangi and Nganga publicly clashed, forcing the President to step in and promise to convene a meeting to resolve their differences.

Analysts say the latest tensions highlight the challenges of maintaining cohesion within UDA, particularly in counties where political ambitions are already shaping the landscape ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Conclusion

President Ruto’s cautionary remarks underscore the delicate balance between development and political rivalry in Kiambu County. As the fallout from the Githurai demolitions continues, the President has made clear that unity among leaders is essential to addressing the needs of residents and ensuring stability in the region.

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President Ruto Cautions Kiambu Leaders Amid Political Tensions Over Githurai Demolitions