He has taken bullets for me! Ruto heaps praises on Ichung’wah during dad's funeral

President William Ruto has heaped praises on Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah during his father’s funeral.

The President praised him, saying Ichung’wah is a great leader and a man who keeps his word.

“I want to thank the parents of Ichung’wah, through them, I have gotten this man Kimani, who is more than a friend, I have gotten a brother,” the President said.

"I stand here in this hallowed and honoured ground to say in Kimani Ichung’wah, we have a great leader, without any fear of contradiction. This man, Kimani Ichung’wah, I call him Anthony, he has taken many bullets on my behalf, he has carried many burdens on my behalf that even my brothers would not. I want to take this chance to thank you. The same way you have stood with me, I will stand by you."

Ruto said that Ichung’wah is not only a leader in Kiambu but also across the country, adding that it is how leadership should be.

“You must stand up to be counted for something. He is a friend indeed, and he gives us lessons, and we are confident that this is coming from Mzee here, who we are sending to his place of rest.”

The President praised Mzee Ichung’wah, saying he believed in his ability, did not give up and pushed himself to bring up a well-respected family.

"Let us believe in ourselves the same way as Mzee Ichung’wah, who pushed the bounds and the limits. Today, we celebrate a great man," he added.

Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led a delegation of other senior state officials at the funeral of Mzee Isaac Ichung’wah Ngugi, the father of the National Assembly Majority leader, Ichung’wah.

The President was also accompanied by the First Lady, Rachel Ruto.

Mzee Ichung’wah died on September 5, 2025, at the age of 105 years.

A memorial service, which was attended by close allies, colleagues, friends and family members, was held on Sunday at the MP’s rural home in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.

Several other leaders, including Cabinet Secretaries and other elected leaders, are expected to attend the funeral at their rural home.