The decision by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata to distance himself from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) could trigger retaliation from the government, with Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah warning that he may expose alleged misconduct by the governor.
Despite appearing calm while seated next to William Ruto during a public event at Njiiri High School on Sunday, May 3, 2026, there were no clear signs of the political rift that would soon emerge.
Shortly after the event, Dr. Kang’ata held a press conference in Nairobi where he declared that UDA has lost influence in the Mt. Kenya region. He also announced that he will not defend his gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election under the party that sponsored his successful 2022 bid.
Later that evening, during a television interview, Kang’ata revealed that his disagreements with President Ruto, UDA, and the government began in July 2025. He urged Ichung’wah to stop public attacks and instead seek a private discussion.
“I raised sensitive issues with the President that I felt were going wrong,” Kang’ata said. “I questioned his handling of Mt. Kenya politics, citing political hostility and a lack of proper prioritization of industries, education, and healthcare.”
He added that the President may not have taken his concerns seriously, warning that the rise of opposition politics in the Mt. Kenya region is a problem the government has brought upon itself.
Addressing Ichung’wah’s accusations of political hypocrisy, Kang’ata said he would not be drawn into a public dispute, describing him as a friend who should reach out privately given the weight of the issues involved.
The governor has been under increasing pressure from opposition leaders in Mt. Kenya to break away from UDA. Known for his unpredictable political style, Kang’ata has built a reputation for serving single terms in elective positions.
He first entered politics as a councillor in 2002, did not seek re-election in 2007, and later won the Kiharu parliamentary seat in 2013. He was elected Murang’a Senator in 2017 and 2022 before becoming governor.
In 2024, Kang’ata was among those considered for the Deputy President position following the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua, but President Ruto ultimately appointed Kithure Kindiki instead.
“My only ambition is to defend my seat in 2027; I have no other plans,” he said.
Kang’ata is also remembered for his controversial letter dated December 30, 2020, in which he warned then-President Uhuru Kenyatta that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) lacked support in the Mt. Kenya region and was likely to fail, stating he did not want to be counted among those backing a “sinking ship.”
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