Kungu Smart Booed for rubbishing the free chicks program under the Governor Kimani Wamatangi administration
Gatundu South, Kiambu County – May 18, 2025
An attempt by Kiamwangi Ward MCA Kungu Smart to discredit Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s socio-economic empowerment programs backfired spectacularly on Sunday, when a crowd of thousands booed him down during a public meeting graced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Gatundu South.
The event, dubbed “Empowerment of Small-Scale Traders SACCOs – Gatundu Town, Gatundu South, Kiambu County”, was organized to address economic upliftment for local traders. However, MCA Kungu’s remarks targeting the County’s chicks distribution initiative sparked public outrage.
Dismissing the initiative as ineffective, the MCA claimed that women in Kiambu would be better served with incubators rather than live chicks. But the crowd, many of whom are beneficiaries of the program, immediately voiced their disapproval. Deputy President Kindiki, along with a handful of MCAs and area MP Gabriel Kagombe, looked on helplessly as the heckling intensified, forcing the MCA to cut his speech short.
The County Government of Kiambu has, under Governor Wamatangi’s leadership since 2022, distributed thousands of chicks to households across the region.
The program has not only boosted nutrition for families, but also will eventually create a full cycle of production for the 524 ECDE centres, where over 39,000 early learners consume two eggs weekly, in addition to placing the much-needed income in the hands of small-scale farmers through the sale of eggs and chicken meat.
“It’s more than just poultry,” said a local farmer, Mary Wanjira, who attended the meeting. “It’s about dignity, food security, and financial independence.”
Governor Wamatangi has gained widespread grassroots support through initiatives that provide tangible benefits, including delivering truckloads of fertilizer, maize seeds, avocado and fruit tree seedlings, piglets, and chicks. Even in semi-arid areas like Ndeiya and Ngoliba, the impact is being felt, with improved agricultural productivity and household resilience.
Despite a recent summons by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) which some interpret as an attempt to slow his momentum, the people of Kiambu appear resolute in their support for their governor.
In stark contrast to Governor Wamatangi’s vibrant community engagements, Sunday’s event by the Deputy President was marked by a modest crowd seated in tents, with little to show in terms of real-time support or distribution of economic empowerment inputs.
Besides MCA Kungu Smart, the only other MCAs present at the DP’s meeting were Samuel Icembe (Karai Ward), Evans Muigu (Kinoo Ward), Joachim Njama (Ngoliba Ward), Wanjiru Muturi (Nominated), and Curu (Nominated).
Other leaders present from Kiambu County were MPs Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), Simon Kingara (Ruiru), Anne Wamuratha (County MP), Isaac Mwaura (Government Spokesman), and Alice Nganga (Thika).
The episode served as a stark reminder of the power of the people—and their loyalty to leaders who deliver.
