Alice Ng'ang'a denies directing crowd during Kiambu church service: 'Was asking for my handbag'

Thika town MP Alice Ng'ang'a makes hand signals during a heated church service in Kiambu [Courtesy]

Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a has dismissed a viral video showing her seemingly instructing supporters to shout during a chaotic AIPCA church service in Kiambu.

In a TV interview, Ng'ang'a said she was merely asking her assistant to hand her handbag.

"Why would I need to ask people to stand up? Suppose I was asking my Personal Assistant to hand me my handbag? Do not make me bear someone else's cross," she said, refusing to entertain further questions.

The video emerged during a public display of rivalry between Ng'ang'a and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, in the presence of President William Ruto.

At the Gatundu North service, Ng'ang'a signalled her intention to contest the county's top seat in 2027.

"Because very soon, I will be the boss here in Kiambu County, Mr President. Here they call me Mama Simba," she declared.

Her comments were quickly echoed by Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia, who referred to Ng'ang'a as the "incoming governor," contrasting her with Wamatangi as the "outgoing" leader. The remarks sparked a heated exchange between supporters of the two camps.

Governor Wamatangi downplayed the political jockeying, urging focus on service delivery rather than premature campaign talk - a stance echoed by President Ruto.

"I can see politics here is heating up, but I want to clarify something. I have heard people saying there is an election in January, and it seems it has confused some of you. The January election is not for the governor; it is for the UDA party. So calm down for now - the governor's election will come later," the President said.