President Ruto Speaks On Githurai Demolitions

President William Ruto has directly intervened in the escalating political hostilities within Kiambu County, calling for an end to the “finger-pointing” that has characterized the region’s leadership in recent months. Speaking as a guest at the JCM Church on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the President challenged Governor Kimani Wamatangi and other local leaders to present a united front, reminding them that they share a collective mandate under the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The President’s remarks were triggered by the fallout from night demolitions in Githurai on Thursday, February 19. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) moved in to clear business stalls along the Thika Superhighway following a lapsed seven-day vacation notice. The exercise left hundreds of traders displaced and ignited a fresh round of political warfare in the county.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

Addressing the congregation, Ruto was firm in his stance that government officials should not distance themselves from state actions.

“If an issue arises, like the one we recently witnessed in Githurai, we should not resort to finger-pointing or singling out individuals. We are all in government, and it is our collective duty to find solutions,” Ruto stated.

He further urged Governor Wamatangi to stop the blame games and focus on the administrative challenges facing the county, noting that the responsibility of governance lies with those elected by the people.

Wamatangi Demands Compensation

Taking the podium earlier, Governor Wamatangi maintained that while the county supports development, the execution of the Githurai demolitions was “unfair.” He urged the President to summon KeNHA officials to reach a “lasting solution” that respects the livelihoods of small-scale traders.

Wamatangi also made a formal plea for the victims, suggesting that even a modest compensation of KSh 10,000 to KSh 20,000 per person would go a long way in easing the transition for those whose businesses were razed.

The Gubernatorial Rivalry

The church service also served as a backdrop for the ongoing rivalry between Wamatangi and Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a. Ng’ang’a, who has openly declared her intention to unseat Wamatangi in the next election, vowed to traverse the county to consolidate support—a move that further heightened tensions in the President’s presence.

This clash follows a similar public spat in late 2025, which also required Ruto’s intervention. Frustrated by the premature electioneering, the President vowed to convene a private meeting to force a reconciliation between the warring factions.

The Political Landscape of Kiambu

The friction in Kiambu is a microcosm of the broader tensions within the UDA party as local leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 cycle. Ruto’s “one script” directive is seen as an attempt to prevent the country’s second-most populous county from becoming a political liability for the national government.