The highly anticipated court hearing of Surveyor Stephen Kigathi Kionywe, Kikuyu Constituency MP aspirant and the main challenger to Majority Leader Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, has once again failed to take off. The case, initially set for 26th August , was postponed to September 9, 2025, deepening frustrations among supporters who see the prolonged trial as nothing more than political persecution.
Magistrate Cites “Crowd Pressure,” Orders Virtual Hearing
The Magistrate presiding over the case cited discomfort with the massive show of support during the last hearing, when thousands of Kigathi’s backers flooded Kiambu town in DCP Party colors, singing, drumming, and declaring loyalty to their candidate. The spectacle, which almost brought the court to a standstill, is now being viewed as the trigger for the court’s decision to hold proceedings virtually moving forward.
But the decision backfired. Several of Kigathi’s co-accused, coming from diverse backgrounds and age groups, faced challenges in accessing the virtual session, which contributed to some of them being absent. The court then issued a stern warning that failure to attend the September 9 hearing could result in arrest warrants.
Surveyor Kigathi immediately raised concern over this directive, calling it “a trap” meant to pave the way for further harassment and possible arrests of himself or his co-accused.
“What Is Going On?” Supporters Left Confused
The repeated postponements are fueling anger among Kigathi’s base. One frustrated supporter wrote to Kiambu Daily News, asking:
“Hello Kiambu Daily, case ya Mheshimiwa ilienda aje?”
Kigathi Supporters has vowed to face Ichung’wah on the ballot in 2027. Their message is clear: they do not fear the incumbent and believe no amount of intimidation will stop their candidate.
Gachagua’s Bombshell Fuels Speculation
The political undertones of Kigathi’s case were further amplified this week after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during a Citizen TV interview, accused the government of weaponizing the judiciary to silence opponents. Gachagua specifically pointed to Kimani Ichung’wah, linking him to the political woes of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and other leaders.
The comments have left many Kikuyu residents “connecting the dots” and questioning whether the relentless pursuit of Kigathi is part of the same playbook—using the courts as tools of political suppression.
DCP’s Strongest Bet
Despite the legal hurdles, Kigathi remains the frontrunner for the DCP Party ticket in Kikuyu Constituency. Political analysts argue that his grassroots presence, combined with his growing reputation as a “people’s defender,” makes him unbeatable within the party. His only potential challenger is a DCP aspirant based in the United States, who lacks Kigathi’s constant engagement with the constituency on the ground.
For many, it is no longer a question of whether Kigathi can secure the DCP nomination—it is whether the state machinery will allow him to freely campaign against the Majority Leader.
The Bigger Battle: Kigathi vs. Ichung’wah
With the September 9 hearing now set, Kikuyu Constituency finds itself at a crossroads. The battle is no longer confined to the courtroom—it has spilled into the political arena. Supporters argue that the judiciary is being used to clip Kigathi’s wings just as his popularity is surging past the incumbent.
As the 2027 elections inch closer, one truth is becoming clear: this is not just a legal fight—it is a political war for the soul of Kikuyu Constituency. Surveyor Kigathi Kionywe has already captured the people’s imagination as the face of change, while Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader, is increasingly seen as the defender of the status quo.
The question that remains is whether the will of the people will prevail—or whether endless courtrooms and politically choreographed delays will decide Kikuyu’s future.
Stay with Kiambu Daily News for continuous updates on this developing story.
