False Rumor: Kenyan MP Kimani Ichung’wah Has Not Defected to Rival Party
Nexio News | May 7, 2026
A misleading TikTok video claiming that Kenya’s National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, has abandoned President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for a rival party is circulating online. The clip, which has gone viral, is an edited version of an old speech taken out of context—and experts say it’s pure misinformation.
The Viral Claim
Since early May 2026, TikTok users have shared a short video of Ichung’wah speaking at a rally, where he appears to criticize President Ruto. The footage is captioned with sensational claims like “Breaking News: Kimani Ichung’wah Joins DCP Party”—referring to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
In the clip, Ichung’wah is heard saying in Kiswahili: “William Ruto, in your usual arrogance, you said we are thieves. When we voted for you, Mr. President, were we thieves, or were we voters?” He then asks the crowd, “Are you thieves?” to which they respond, “No.”
The posts also lure viewers with false promises of “free money” if they dial certain mobile codes—a common scam tactic on social media.
The Truth Behind the Clip
Fact-checkers have confirmed that the video is heavily edited. The original footage dates back to February 2022, during Kenya’s heated election campaigns. Ichung’wah was actually criticizing then-President Uhuru Kenyatta—not Ruto, whom he has consistently supported.
A full review of the rally livestream shows that the words “William Ruto” were spliced into the clip to distort Ichung’wah’s message. At the time, he was rallying support for Ruto against Kenyatta, making the viral claim a complete fabrication.
Political Tensions Fueling Misinformation
The false rumor comes amid growing political divisions in Kenya. Gachagua, once Ruto’s deputy, was impeached in 2025 and later formed the DCP, positioning himself as a leading opposition figure. Several UDA lawmakers have since defected to Gachagua’s camp, fueling speculation about further party shifts.
However, Ichung’wah remains one of Ruto’s staunchest allies. Just days ago, he accompanied the president on an official visit to Tanzania, posting photos of their meeting on social media. Had he truly defected, such a high-profile move would have dominated headlines.
Why the Hoax?
Misinformation thrives in Kenya’s politically charged climate, where edited videos and sensational claims often go viral. The inclusion of “free money” scams in these posts suggests that some users are exploiting political tensions for financial gain—a tactic previously exposed by fact-checking organizations.
The Verdict
There is no evidence that Kimani Ichung’wah has left UDA or joined Gachagua’s DCP. The viral TikTok clip is a manipulated version of an old speech, designed to mislead the public.
For now, Ichung’wah remains firmly in Ruto’s camp—and Kenyans should be wary of politically motivated hoaxes circulating online.
— Reported by Nexio News
