The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) could face a difficult political test in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata warning that shifting loyalties and internal disagreements are weakening its support base in the region.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Sunday, Kang’ata noted that that the direction of politics in the region had convinced him that UDA’s prospects were weakening.
“I have seen how the politics is going on, and I think I am now convinced it will not end well for the UDA party, at least in my region. I shared my mind on how I think we can push them ahead, we did not agree on those tactics so I just kept quiet and now that it’s one year,” he said.
He also linked recent political events to growing unease in the region. Kang’ata cited incidents including the attack on property linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as contributing to political tension.
“There are some actions that have been done in my region, which are creating a siege mentality,” he said.
He also reflected on his earlier leadership approach, saying he initially chose to avoid political confrontation.
“When I became a governor, my political strategy was to be quiet, to concentrate on my mandate,” he said.
However, he noted that pressure from supporters and political expectations had forced him into taking public positions.
“It reaches a stage when the president is in Murang’a, you are put into a corner where you have to say something, you are being nudged to make a choice to announce your statement, and if you don’t, people start saying you are not a good person,” he said.
The governor further clarified that he has not settled on a new political party after announcing he will not defend his seat on a UDA ticket in 2027.
“Currently I have not made a decision. I have many options; I can be an independent candidate, or I can join a political party,” he said.
His remarks have fuelled speculation linking him to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, although he has not confirmed any move. Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga, now eyeing the Nairobi Woman Representative seat on a DCP ticket, publicly welcomed him, adding to the political speculation.
Despite the uncertainty over 2027, Kang’ata maintained he remains in UDA for now and will continue working with the national government.
He also dismissed suggestions that he is pursuing higher office, insisting his focus remains on the Murang’a governorship.
The governor’s announcement came shortly after Gachagua indicated he would back a rival candidate in Murang’a if Kang’ata does not align with his political camp, intensifying regional political competition.
Kang’ata also criticised what he described as strategic missteps within UDA, including the removal of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as chair of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.
“One of the reasons I feel UDA party strategies need to be improved is when they removed Ndindi Nyoro as the chair of the budget committee in the National Assembly,” he said.
He described Nyoro as a close ally, adding, “Ndindi Nyoro is a very good friend of mine. He was my CDF chair when I was serving as Kiharu MP.”
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google