Kimani Ichung’wah has found himself at the centre of heated public debate, with his finances and political influence attracting sharp criticism from opponents and sections of the public.
As the National Assembly Majority Leader and one of President William Ruto’s most trusted allies, the Kikuyu MP has often been in the spotlight, but recent claims over his growing wealth have placed him under even greater scrutiny.
His name has been tied to accusations that Parliament has been reduced to an extortion chamber under his watch, a charge he has firmly rejected.
Attention quickly turned to him after it was reported that he had invested about Sh138 million in Housing Finance Group, raising questions about how he was able to access such an amount at a time when ordinary Kenyans are struggling with economic hardships.
On the floor of Parliament, Ichung’wah defended himself by saying the money came from loans secured through Sacco societies in Parliament and Muhasibu, as well as his own personal investments built over time.
He told lawmakers that being an MP should not automatically make one a target of suspicion and insisted that his dealings were legitimate.
Speaking in a confident and unapologetic tone, Ichung’wah said he would not be intimidated by what he described as smear campaigns. He even mocked his critics, noting that their accusations had ironically worked in his favor by driving up the stock value of NHIF shares in which he had invested.
According to him, this rise in value allowed him to pay off his loans while still making a profit. He dismissed as false the claims that he had spent Sh150 million on shares, saying the figures being thrown around were misleading.
Ichung’wah also pushed back against suggestions that MPs were being bribed to perform their constitutional roles, describing such claims as baseless attacks meant to discredit legislators. He further addressed allegations linking him to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that his responsibility was to champion government business in Parliament and that no one should use propaganda to damage reputations for political gain.
He reminded the House that the power of impeachment belongs to Parliament as an institution and not to individuals, even noting that the same power extends to the presidency.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Ichung’wah appeared undeterred, presenting himself as a target of political malice rather than a beneficiary of corruption.
He restated his loyalty to President Ruto and emphasized that he would continue carrying out his duties without fear. To him, the allegations are nothing more than an attempt to weaken both his personal standing and the government he represents, but he made it clear that he would not be distracted from his role.
