Profile of Kimani Ichung’wah: From a Butcher & Pig Farmer to Ruto’s Point man

National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah is one of the closest allies of President William Ruto.

Ichung’wah sided with President Ruto during Jubilee’s second term when former President Uhuru Kenyatta sidelined the faction supporting his then-deputy.

He was one of the fierce critics of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who was endorsed by Uhuru for the 2022 presidential seat.

Although Uhuru was regarded as Mt. Kenya’s spokesperson, Ichung’wah was among the leaders from the region who opposed his choice.

This has seen Ichung’wah rise to become one of the powerful politicians in the Kenya Kwanza faction with direct access to President Ruto.

In a in a past interview, the MP shared his life story giving details about his upbringing, family and career.

Early Life & Education

Born in Cikambura Village in Karai Location, now known as Kikuyu Constituency, Ichung’wah grew up in a family of 12 children—11 from his mother and one from a stepmother.

He started his education at Kikuyu Township Primary School and spent much time with his father growing up.

After completing his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), Ichung’wah attended Alliance High School in 1990.

Despite dreaming of becoming a lawyer, he missed the university cut-off point and instead pursued a bachelor’s degree in economics and history at the University of Nairobi (UoN).

Before joining UoN, he earned a Certificate of Public Accountant (CPA) from Strathmore School of Accounting.

He then graduated from UoN in 2000 with an honours degree in Economics and later enrolled for a diploma in Banking and Finance.

Kimani Ichung’wah Career Journey

After graduation, Ichung’wah struggled to find a job and joined his brother in a safety shoes business at Nyamakima.

His first white-collar job was in December 2000 at Diversey Lever East Africa Limited.

However, he resigned in September 2002 after losing his brother and being denied sufficient mourning leave.

Using his savings, a loan, and support from his father, Ichung’wah started a butchery near an upcoming bus stop in Kikuyu.

“My dad was a butcher for many years, and he had a plot near an upcoming bus stop. I asked him to give me a small part of the plot for me to put up a butchery. I told him I wanted to leave employment by the end of that year. My dad was kind enough to give me some space, and I started my business,” he said.

Also Read: Kimani Ichung’wah Under Fire Over Viral Handshake Video with Ruto

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Ichung’wah continued expanding his butchery business, which served as a fallback plan to his formal employment.

“I told myself I would never leave my business, and I would never be desperate; I would always have a fallback plan. I continued running my business and, with time, opened two other small butcheries,” he said.

He also worked at Madison Insurance as a Senior Accountant, at the Standard Group Limited as Head of Treasury and Deputy Group Financial Controller, and at SafexAfrica as Director of Finance and Administration.

Also Read: Miguna Blasts Kimani Ichung’wah After Scathing Attack on Gachagua

Political Career

In 2007, Kimani Ichung’wah unsuccessfully vied for the Kikuyu Constituency seat and tried again in 2013 under The National Alliance (TNA) that saw him get elected and re-elected in 2017 through the Jubilee party

In 2017, he made history as the first Member of Parliament to be elected unopposed under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

During his first term in Parliament, Ichung’wah served as Vice-Chairman of the Public Investments Committee, a member of the Committee on Parliamentary Powers and Privileges, and a member of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Co-operatives.

In the 12th Parliament, he chaired the Budget and Appropriations Committee until 2019 and was a member of the Committee on Appointments and the Committee on Members Services and Facilities.

In the 2022 election, Ichung’wah successfully defended his seat through the UDA party.

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