National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has revealed why he declined an offer to join the Cabinet by President William Ruto following the wave of youth-led protests witnessed across the country in 2024.
Speaking during a televised interview, Ichung’wah explained that while the President was keen on restructuring his government after dismissing most Cabinet Secretaries, he felt his role in Parliament was more critical at the time.
According to him, the Head of State had retained only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua before initiating a fresh round of appointments.
Ichung’wah noted that many experienced and influential leaders were transitioning from the National Assembly to the Cabinet, a move he believed risked weakening the government’s legislative strength.
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He argued that Parliament required firm and strategic leadership to push the administration’s agenda and counter opposition pressure.
“I told the President that he still needed strong voices in the National Assembly. My role was to defend and articulate government policies from within the House,” he said.
The Majority Leader emphasized that his decision was guided by loyalty and a broader understanding of governance, rather than personal ambition.
He maintained that serving in Parliament allowed him to play a more impactful role in stabilizing the political environment after the unrest.
His remarks have sparked debate among Kenyans, with some praising his stance while others question the broader strategy of balancing power between the executive and legislature.
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