Thika: Supporters of Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a and those allied to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi clashed during the launch of the Sh55 million Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) by the MP in Ngoliba area of Thika East Sub County yesterday. Those allied to the Governor claimed the MP has no right to launch markets, terming it a county government function, and accused her of using state projects to propel her political career.
According to Kenya News Agency, the supporters attempted to block the MP from commissioning the project, forcing the intervention of police officers led by Thika East Sub-County Police Commander Andrew Nzola, who restored order. Despite the hostility, the MP managed to officially launch the project, vowing to continue her development agenda across the constituency.
The MP stated, 'This is just the beginning. We are moving forward with the construction of five other markets in Ngoliba, Gatuanyaga, Kiganjo, Maguguni, and Landless. Let no one panic; development cannot be stopped,' while accusing her political rivals of being unsettled by her development track record. She emphasized that the project will transform the local economy, reducing the need for farmers to travel long distances to sell produce and providing business owners with proper space to thrive.
Ngoliba MCA Joakim Njama, who accompanied the MP, accused Governor Wamatangi of neglecting the area in terms of development, stating he has not launched any projects mid his election term. He criticized the governor for failing to fulfill his pledge to build the market, leaving residents frustrated by unfulfilled promises, and urged support for other leaders launching projects.
Njama remarked, 'The people of Ngoliba want tangible development, not empty rhetoric. This market will not only empower our traders but also benefit the county government through revenue collection. The Governor should support, not fight, these efforts.'
The clash highlights the deepening political rivalry between the two leaders as the 2027 political landscape begins to take shape, with development projects becoming battlegrounds for influence and control in Kiambu County. Ms. Ng'ang'a is eyeing Wamatangi's seat in 2027 and has made significant inroads across the county, unsettling the governor and his supporters. Recently, the MP also launched another Sh55 million ESP market in the nearby Gatuanyaga and Kiganjo areas to enhance trade and empower businesspeople in her constituency.