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, becoming the first politician to make such a declaration.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Kang’ata said the decision followed consultations with residents and unsuccessful internal efforts to resolve differences within the party.
“His Excellency had always told us the people are supreme, and therefore my responsibility is to adhere to what the people have told me,” he said. “I have had candid discussions with His Excellency the President one-on-one where we shared these ideas, but we did not reach what we call convergence.”
He added: “I have no doubt to say after careful reflection I wish to state that come 2027 I will not defend my seat on a UDA ticket.”
Despite the announcement, the governor emphasised that he remains committed to his duties and loyal to the party for the remainder of his current term.
“I will later, at a certain date, communicate the platform on which I will present myself to the electorate. However, until then, I will remain a disciplined and committed member of the UDA party,” he said. “I will continue to work diligently in my capacity and cooperate with the national government in delivering development to our people.”
Kang’ata also dismissed speculation about ambitions for higher national office.
“I do not intend to vie to become the president of Kenya, nor do I want to be the Deputy President of this country. My interest is to defend my Murang’a seat,” he said.
The governor further spoke about what he described as increasing pressure to publicly align with the President during recent visits to Murang’a County.
“For the last few days, the President has been in Murang’a, and every time I go there, I am being pressured to endorse programmes, to endorse him. Pressure had come publicly, including my friend Kimani Ichung'wah,” he said. “They have even suggested I am not sick, which I felt is not fair because it’s true I have a problem … I felt that was too much. I thought if I didn’t do this, people would start saying I am a cunning politician, so I said, Let me talk the truth.”
Kang’ata insisted he had made efforts to resolve internal disagreements within the party.
“I have done my best, I have given my ideas and strategies which the party thought otherwise, and I have to say the truth,” he said.
The announcement comes just hours after President William Ruto attended a church service at Africa Inland Church (AIC) Githumu in Kandara Constituency, Murang’a County, and later visited Njiri’s Boys High School in Kangari.
It also follows the President’s recent two-day development tour of Murang’a County, during which he launched, commissioned, and inspected various projects while outlining the government’s agenda for the region.
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