Bora maendeleo! Ichung'wah fires back at critics who nickname him

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah speaking in Igembe North on Saturday, March 29, 2025. KIMANI ICHUNGWA/ X

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah has hit back at his critics who have been giving him and other leaders nicknames.

The Kikuyu MP said such labels are meant to undermine leaders' roles in government and distract them from more important issues facing Kenyans.

Speaking on Saturday at an event in Igembe North, Meru county, the MP urged his critics to focus on constructive discussions rather than resorting to name calling.

He further defended his track record stating that his leadership is based on actions and contribution in delivering services to the people rather than baseless criticism.

“Do you hear how they call me names? Lakini nimewaambia hata waniite majina na barabara ya Kahero ipate lami, bado nitaitika (Have you heard them call me names? But I want to tell them that even with the names I will respond so long as Kahero road is tarmacked),” Ichungwah said.

"What matters is the roads to be tarmacked and markets to be built. Bora ni Maendeleo!"

The MP further faulted those who negatively labelled other leaders in the government emphasising that they would not be deterred and would remain focused on serving the people and advancing the promised development initiatives.

Ichung'wah noted that they would accept the nicknames if they signified the successful completion of their development agenda, adding that delivering their promises was their priority, and if being labeled came as a result of their achievements, they had no objections.

"Don't they say there is no name that does not suit a child...and if they call leaders names, let them answer as long as we focus on development," Ichungwah said in his Kikuyu dialect.

The MPs is among political leaders allied to President William Ruto who have pitched camp in Mt Kenya to prepare the ground ahead of his visit next week.

Ruto is expected to embark on a week-long tour of the region from April 1 as he aims to endear himself to the residents who read betrayal in the removal from office of his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.