President William Ruto has praised and thanked Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wah, terming him as not just a friend but also a brother.
On Monday, September 15, at the burial of Ichung'wah's late father, Isaac Ichung'wah Ngugi, Ruto delivered an emotional tribute highlighting their deep political and personal bond.
In a heartfelt speech, President Ruto described his relationship with the National Assembly Majority Leader as transcending ordinary political alliances.
"I have got a friend who is more than a friend today. I have a brother called Kimani. And I want to stand here on this hallowed and honored ground to say that in Kimani, we have a great leader," Ruto stated.
President Ruto acknowledged the personal sacrifices Ichung'wah has made in their political journey together.
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"He has taken many bullets on my behalf. He has carried huge burdens on my behalf, burdens that even my own brothers could not," Ruto revealed, highlighting the MP's unwavering loyalty and dedication.
In a moment highlighting the depth of their relationship, President Ruto made a public commitment to stand by Ichung'wah, just as the MP stood by him.
"And the same way you have stood with me, my brother, I want to say this in front of your family, I will stand with you," Ruto pledged, speaking directly to Ichung'wah before the gathered mourners.
President Ruto also paid tribute to Ichung'wah's father, celebrating the life and legacy of the 105-year-old patriarch who passed away on September 4.
"We celebrate the life of Isaac Ngugi, the father of my friend and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah. Mzee Ngugi's journey is a true inspiration. He showed us that with faith in oneself, hard work, and perseverance, anything is possible," Ruto said.
The funeral service took place as the country mourned Isaac Ichung'wah Ngugi, who passed away peacefully at his Kikuyu home after living for over a century.
During his tribute, MP Ichung'wah described his father as an exceptionally humble and compassionate man who treated everyone equally, regardless of their social standing.
His son characterized him as "a loving husband and father, a kind-hearted, hard-working, and generous man" whose influence extended far beyond his immediate family.
"We celebrate his life, even as we bear the sorrow and pain of losing him. But we also immortalize the pleasant memories of a remarkable gentleman, a gentleman we would have loved to live forever, but who we have now to live with the reality that just like all of us here today, was a mortal being whose time has come. We will painfully let you go, but you will live in our hearts and lives forever till we meet again," Ichung'wah stated in his tribute.
