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, saying the MP was using the state projects to propel her political career.
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, defiantly vowing to continue with her development agenda across the constituency.
“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,” Ng’ang’a declared, accusing her political rivals of panicking over her development track record.
She said the project will significantly transform the local economy adding that farmers will no longer have to travel long distances to sell their produce, and business owners will finally have a proper space to thrive.
Ngoliba MCA Joakim Njama who accompanied the MP accused Governor Wamatangi of neglecting the area in terms of development saying he has not launched any project in the area, mid his election term.
He said the governor has failed to honour his pledge to build the market, leaving residents frustrated by unfulfilled promises and should allow other able leaders launch projects in the area.
“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,” Njama charged.
The clash underscores the deepening political rivalry between the two leaders as the 2027 political landscape starts to take shape, with development projects fast becoming battlegrounds for influence and control in Kiambu County.
Ms Ng’ang’a is eyeing Wamatangi’s seat in 2027, and has made major 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 in her constituency in efforts to enhance trade and empower businesspeople in her constituency.
By Muoki Charles
