A sacred church fundraiser in Gatundu North attended by President William Ruto descended into a political theatre of chaos last Sunday, prompting Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a to publicly accuse rivals of hiring hecklers to disrupt the event.

The incident lays bare the escalating political warfare in Kiambu County, shifting the focus from development to a premature and aggressive 2027 gubernatorial succession battle. For Kiambu residents, this infighting among their leaders threatens to stall progress and underscores a political class more consumed by power than public service.

A Calculated Disruption?

Speaking on Thursday, December 18, Ms. Ng’ang’a vehemently denied orchestrating the disruptions, instead pointing the finger at Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration. "I can confidently say that all those people captured on top of seats are Kiambu County employees," she claimed, challenging the public to verify their identities. The chaos reportedly erupted when Governor Wamatangi was addressing the congregation, following an introduction by the host MP, Elijah Kihururia, who referred to him as the "outgoing governor" and Ms. Ng'ang'a as the "incoming" one.

The African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) leadership has since condemned the incident. Church officials disowned a group of women seen heckling, noting their attire—including trousers and makeup—and new headscarves were inconsistent with the church's regular congregation. A church leader alleged the individuals were ferried to the event by politicians and were not genuine members of the AIPCA.

Cracks in the Mountain

The public spat is a symptom of a wider, simmering conflict within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in President Ruto’s political backyard. The rivalry between camps loyal to Governor Wamatangi and those backing Ms. Ng’ang’a’s gubernatorial ambitions has been brewing for months. This factionalism now threatens the party's unity and its ability to deliver on its promises to the electorate.

President Ruto was forced to intervene during the service, cautioning the leaders against premature campaigns. "I can see politics here is heating up... calm down for now — the governor's election will come later," the President stated, reminding them that upcoming party grassroots elections should not be confused with the 2027 general election.

The ongoing power struggles in Kiambu reflect a broader challenge for the ruling party, which has faced internal rifts in various parts of the country. As leaders trade accusations, citizens are left questioning whether the political establishment is focused on addressing critical issues like the cost of living or securing their own political futures.

As the political fallout continues, the spectacle at the Gatundu church serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated rivalries that could define Kiambu's political landscape, leaving voters to ponder if unity and development will ever take precedence over ambition.