Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced that he will not defend his seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 General Election, signaling a significant political shift while maintaining loyalty to the party and President William Ruto for the remainder of his term.
In a detailed statement, Kang’ata said the decision followed internal efforts to resolve differences within the party, including a one-on-one meeting with the President that did not yield “full convergence.”
“I have no doubt in stating that, after careful reflection, I wish to make it clear that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket,” he said, adding that he will later announce the political platform he will use.
Despite the decision, the governor emphasized that he would remain a “disciplined and committed” member of UDA until the end of his term and continue cooperating with the national government in delivering development projects.
Kang’ata also moved to downplay any suggestion of a political rivalry with the President, stating that he has no ambitions to run for higher office.
“I do not intend to become the President of Kenya, neither do I want to become the Deputy President… mine is only to defend my Murang’a seat,” he said.
The governor, however, revealed growing discomfort over what he described as pressure to publicly endorse government programmes during the President’s recent visits to Murang’a.
“For the last few days, the President has been in Murang’a, and every time I go there, I have been pressured to endorse certain programmes. The pressure has even come publicly… they have even suggested that I am not sick, which I felt is not fair because I truly have a problem,” Kang’ata said.
He added that the situation had escalated to a point where he felt compelled to clarify his position to avoid being mischaracterized.
“It reached a stage where I thought that if I did not declare my stand, people would start saying I am a cunning politician,” he said.
Kang’ata maintained that he had presented his ideas and strategies within the party, but acknowledged that they were not adopted.
“I have done my best, I have given my ideas and strategies, which the party has viewed differently, and I have to say the truth,” he said.
His remarks introduce a new dynamic in Murang’a politics ahead of 2027, as attention turns to the platform he will eventually choose and the implications for UDA’s influence in the region.
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