Mount Kenya Power Struggle: Ichung’wah Accuses Top Official of Sabotaging Tea, Coffee, and Milk Reforms

The Kenya Kwanza coalition is facing a severe internal crisis as tensions escalate within the Mount Kenya region, a pivotal area for the ruling party.
The latest controversy centers on the alleged obstruction of crucial reforms in the tea, coffee, and milk sectors, with leader of majority Kimani Ichung’wah accusing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of undermining government efforts to revitalize the key industries.
Mr Ichung’wah, the Kikuyu MP, accused Mr of “corruptly” manipulating the auctioning processes for tea and coffee. According to Ichung’wah, this interference is not only personal gain but is also detrimental to local farmers who are supposed to benefit from government reforms.
“The President appointed you to oversee reforms in the milk, coffee, and tea sectors,” Ichung’wah said, in an apparent reference to DP Gachagua.
“We are now facing a situation where coffee can’t be sold unless this individual gets three shillings per kilo, and our tea must be funneled through his brokerage firm. This corruption is stalling the reform processes and hurting the very farmers we are trying to support.”
The confrontation between Ichung’wah and DP Gachagua underscores a deepening rift between the two influential leaders from Mount Kenya.
DP Gachagua has been at the forefront of implementing reforms outlined in President William Ruto’s Executive Order No. 1 of January 2023.
This executive order tasked DP Gachagua with overseeing the Coffee Sub-Sector Reforms Implementation Standing Committee, a role that has become increasingly contentious.
Adding to the turmoil is the stalled Coffee Bill 2024, which Ichung’wah has championed in the National Assembly.
The Bill, aimed at streamlining the coffee sector, has been delayed as the Agriculture Committee awaits crucial input from Mr Gachagua’s office.
The Agriculture Committee Chair John Mutunga (Tigania West) sent a reminder in June 2024, following an earlier request from the National Assembly Clerk, warning that the committee may proceed with its report without the Deputy President’s input if the delay continues.
The ongoing power struggle has sparked concerns about the unity of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Allies of the Deputy President have hinted at the possibility of a government walkout, echoing past defections from the Jubilee government.
Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mejadonk Gathiru voiced these frustrations, suggesting a possible shift away from the current administration.
“People left the Jubilee government in the past, and I see us taking the same direction because I don’t believe this is the government I voted for,” said Mr Gathiru.
Mr Ichung’wah defended the coalition’s track record, emphasizing the representation of Mount Kenya in the government, including seven cabinet secretaries and a Deputy President out of 22 cabinet positions.
“We have been shown gratitude through these appointments and investments,” Mr Ichung’wah asserted adding; “It is unacceptable for anyone to suggest that we abandon our government or sabotage it for personal gain.”
As the political landscape shifts and the coalition faces internal challenges, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Kenya Kwanza administration can resolve its disputes and maintain its influence in the Mount Kenya region and beyond.