Local petty sibling rivalry played out during the burial of Ichung’wah senior in Kiambu yesterday when area governor Kimani Wamatangi was shortchanged for Embu governor Cecily Mbarire in an obvious breach of protocol.
The burial of Isaac Ichung’wah, father to Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, was attended by President William Ruto and top political leaders.
Traditionally, the host governor takes the role of welcoming dignitaries and acknowledging fellow governors when the head of state visits. But in this case, the task was handed to Mbarire after Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot’s speech, leaving Wamatangi sidelined.
To make matters even worse, Wamatangi’s name was mentioned last in the list of leaders, something political observers said was deliberate and a clear signal of his dwindling influence in local politics.
“Protocol is never accidental at a presidential function. The fact that another governor was asked to welcome the President and recognise leaders in Wamatangi’s own county was a message and it was loud,” noted John Mungai, a resident of Kiambu.
The move has been attributed to the frosty relationship between Governor Wamatangi and MP Ichung’wah, who have often clashed over county leadership and governance style. Since taking office in 2022, Wamatangi has been accused by some local legislators of arrogance, poor coordination, and failing to deliver on his pledges.
The move to sideline Wamatangi is clear proof that he and Ichungwah have continued to drift far apart politically.
