Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma backed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, urging him to ignore recent heckling during President Ruto’s Mount Kenya tour.
Kaluma urged Ichung'wah not to be discouraged by open disapproval from a section of Mount Kenya residents, saying the Kikuyu MP has a brighter future and could even rise to be president.
Kaluma, a vocal ODM legislator, likened Ichung’wah’s experience to that of biblical prophets, including Jesus, who were rejected in their hometowns despite their calling and value.
“A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household,” Kaluma quoted from Mark 6:4, adding that Ichung’wah should not read too much into the isolated incidents of jeering.
He encouraged the Kikuyu MP to stay the course and continue serving, describing him as “the best bet Mt Kenya people have for the presidency.”
“Ichung’wah is the best bet Mt Kenya people have to the presidency. I hope those few noisemakers realise this before it is too late,” Kaluma said in a post on his X page.
At the same time, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa termed Ichung’wah the driving force of Kenya Kwanza and an exceptional politician despite the heckling.
“Serving as the head of government business, he represents both the successes and challenges of this government. He is truly our driving force and an exceptional individual; I foresee a great leader and a true nationalist in him! The JJ Kamotho of our era,’’ he posted on X.
Ichung’wah, a prominent figure in the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, was among several UDA leaders who encountered hostile receptions in some parts of Mount Kenya during President Ruto’s weeklong development tour.
On April 3, the MP was heckled during the launch of the Last Mile Connectivity project in Ol Kalou Town. Video footage showed the crowd jeering and whistling, momentarily disrupting his address.
“Let me tell you. No one can shout me down. I cannot be intimidated,” Ichung’wah said, standing firm despite the unrest.
In a bid to reconnect with the crowd, Ichung’wah attempted to highlight the local benefits of government projects, saying:
“Mr President, the people of Kware know affordable housing is here, and all the work here should be given to the youth,” but the statement did little to calm the hostile audience.
Ichung'wah was also heckled in parts of Kiambu County when the president toured the region on April 5.
