Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba appears to be going against the grain in Central Kenya where most of her colleagues back President William Ruto’s administration.
The second-term MP surprised many when she went against her UDA party leader’s stand and opposed the controversial Finance Bill in Parliament, even as other MPs from the Mt Kenya region voted for it.
On Saturday, the President and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, while on a visit to the constituency, warmed up to former area MP Kago wa Lydia in a move that could be meant to politically tame Wamuchomba who is now seen as a rebel in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
During a Farmers’ Field Day at Githunguri Stadium, Kago was among the dignitaries who welcomed the President and his entourage to the Fresha Dairy Society event in the absence of Wamuchomba, a development that leaves no doubt that the legislator is not in good books with Ruto’s administration.
In his speech, the President appeared to give the MP a dress down over her stand against the Finance Bill, without mentioning her by name.
He also seemed to use the opportunity to embarrass Wamuchomba in front of her constituents by asking whether they supported her decision to oppose the bill.
“Nimesikia ati nyinyi watu wa Githunguri hamtaki mambo ya housing. Mlisema hamtaki mambo ya nyumba? Tuwache siasa ya pesa nane,” (I hear you people of Githunguri said you do not want houses. Did you say you are against the housing programme? Let’s leave petty politics), to which the crowd responded in the negative.
Defiant
He went on: “All the MPs including those in the opposition voted for the Bill because they agree it is good for the country. Hawa wananchi wamekusaidia mpaka umepata mshahara na wewe hutaki kutoa three per cent ya kuwajengea nyumba?” (These people have assisted you to get a job, but you do not want to contribute three per cent to build them houses?)
However, in her brief address to the gathering, a defiant Wamuchomba stuck to her guns, insisting she would not be intimidated or cowed.
“I thank you all for standing with me and your prayers and as your MP, I promise to do my work without fear or being cowed,” she said.
Wamuchomba, who was the Kiambu Woman Rep in the last Parliament, seems to be walking a political tight rope.
Word has it that she could be eyeing the Kiambu Governor’s seat, currently held by Kimani Wamatangi, who was also at the event.
Reached for comment on phone yesterday, the legislator stood her ground, maintaining she was steadfast in her stand against the Finance Bill which, she said, will further push up the cost of living.
“I will oppose the Bill even during the third reading because it is oppressive to our people. I can only change my mind if they reduce the proposed fuel levy from 16 per cent to eight per cent or have it zero-rated,” Wamuchomba stated.
The MP also said her constituents were solidly behind her in opposing the Bill, despite the President’s attempt to prove otherwise.
Regarding her future political ambitious, she declined to dwell on the matter insisting that at the moment she was focused on serving her Githunguri constituents.
State job
Ruto, his deputy and Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wa did not leave any doubt that the government was keen to sideline Wamuchomba.
Kago was among those who received the President and his deputy at Kanjai Primary School where they landed after flying from Meru. Wamuchomba was not among them.
The former MP was also recognised by the President and Ichung’wah during the main event, with Ruto revealing that he had been assisting him acquire good breeds of daily cattle from the constituency.
Further, while addressing a roadside rally at Githunguri Stadium, Gachagua announced that they will give Kago a government appointment.
Kago, who was the Jubilee Party candidate in last year’s elections, got 21,000 votes against Wamuchomba’s’s 24,000.
He also beat Gathoni in Ngewa, Komothai and Ikinu wards while she won in Githunguri and Githiga wards which are densely populated.
