Kikuyu Member of Parliament, Kimani Ichung’wa, has found himself on the receiving end after his ‘unfortunate’ remarks on Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i hit some social media users the wrong way.
Speaking on Sunday in Lari, Kiambu County, when he accompanied Deputy President at a function in the county, the outspoken Ruto-allied parliamentarian angrily torn into Matiang’i, daring him to arrest Ruto’s brigade.
Ichung’wa, in his remarks, labelled Matiang’i, by virtue of being an Abagusii, as a man-eater, something that attracted wide criticism from the public.
The MP told Matiang’i to eat all of them (Tanga-tanga) and fill them in his stomach, insisting that they will still follow the deputy president despite the threats.
Kimani Ichung'Wah slams Interior CS Fred Matiang'i over his stern remarks in Kirinyaga. #GetTheWholeStory pic.twitter.com/kEb8I8Ppx9
— KTN News Alerts (@KTNNewsKE) December 1, 2019
“And for you Matiang’i, after eating and getting satisfied, you are now coming back to vomit on us. We want to tell you that we have not forgotten about the Ruaraka land. We will prove to you that we are not stupid. Don’t think that you will threaten us because you have the police,” remarked Ichung’wa.
The visibly angry legislator slammed the CS for allegedly intimidating Ruto’s camp using stern warnings and his influence in the police force.
“Now because you have the policemen at your disposal, come and arrest us, if possible swallow us but one thing is for sure, we are not leaving William Ruto’s camp,” the legislator ranted.
His remarks, however, didn’t go well with many online users who accused the legislator of stereotyping the Kisii community as man-eaters.
Many demanded that the MP apologises to the Kisii community immediately as his remarks were more likely to bring hatred among Kenyans.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah labels CS Matiang’i a man eater, a subtle jab against the Kisii tribe?… “ushenzi hatupendi…kama nikutukula tutoshee kwa hiyo tumbo yako, tukule!”
When they needed Matiang’i to subdue Baba & NRM mass movements, Matiang’i was a god. #BBIReport pic.twitter.com/s96JblJqW1
— A Karani Onsomu (@erwoti) December 1, 2019
As Kenyans of good will are building bridges with one another, arrogant DP Ruto and his allies are busy spreading hatred and division among Kenyans.Kimani Ichungwa must apologise for making hatred remarks about Cs Matiangi and Gusii community.
— Dennis Nyambane™ (@ItsNyambane) December 1, 2019
Ruto and his Mouthpieces think they will use CS Matiang'i 's name with ethnic stereotype because they know they are getting extraneous. As the Kisii community we demand beg-pardon on what Kimani Ichungwa said. Have some RESPECT.
— Wayne Brian (@waynebrian7) December 1, 2019
However, some came to the aid of the MP saying Ichung’wa’s remarks did not in any way mean that the whole community was being targeted.
does matiangi stand for all the kisii because you are being barbaric by claiming that Kimani Ichung'wa has labeled Kisii people meat eaters when he was only refering to matiang'i.
you are the kind of people who promote tribalism with the 'mtu wetu' syndrome. #matiangi
— Dennis Ruto (@denoruto51) December 2, 2019
This is borderline the most stupid interpretation of a statement I ever heard. I think people like this have no idea why they sat in an English comprehension class. Kimani ichungwa didn't mention even a single tribe leave alone Matiang'i..
Koroga https://t.co/QuqHL2YV0W
— Antony Tito Sammy (@tito_antony) December 2, 2019
While speaking on Friday at a function in Kirinyaga county, Matiang’i had strongly dismissed claims that he, together with his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, were frustrating Ruto and his tanga-tanga brigade
Matiang’i said they were only serving the interests of the president, insisting that he would not be cowed by critics, a statement clearly addressed to DP Ruto and his brigade.