NAIROBI, Kenya- Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has delivered a blunt assessment of the political landscape in Mt Kenya, warning that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) risks losing ground due to its own strategic errors.
In a candid reflection, Kang’ata said he had deliberately kept a low political profile since taking office, focusing on service delivery rather than partisan battles.
But mounting pressure, especially during presidential visits to his county, has forced leaders like him into uncomfortable positions.
“It reaches a stage when the president is in Murang’a, you are put into a corner where you have to say something,” he said.
He said UDA’s chances of a comeback in the Mt Kenya region were minimal due to avoidable political blunders.
He made the sentiments during an interview at Citizen TV, hours after declared he would not defend his seat on President William Ruto’s UDA.
Government strengthening the opposition
Kang’ata’s sharpest criticism was reserved for what he termed self-inflicted wounds by the government, actions he believes are inadvertently boosting rival outfits such as Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
“What is the role UDA has played to make DCP popular?” he posed.
“The government has been taking actions whose net effect is to make DCP more popular.”
He pointed to heavy-handed responses against opposition supporters as a key factor, arguing that such tactics are politically counterproductive.
“I am more interested in what the government is doing to shoot itself in the foot and therefore strengthening the case for the opposition,” he added.
Balancing loyalty and survival
Despite his criticism, Kang’ata maintained that he is yet to make a final decision on his political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
His immediate focus, he said, is securing a second term as governor.
“I will be seeking to be re-elected as governor; I do not want to be president,” he clarified, noting that his ambitions do not clash with those of President William Ruto or Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
For now, he insists he remains within UDA, citing ongoing development programmes in Murang’a County that rely on collaboration with the national government.
Riggy G factor
Kang’ata also weighed in on the growing political influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, popularly known as “Riggy G.”
According to the governor, Gachagua’s rise is partly a result of how he has been treated politically.
“Riggy G has grown politically, and I believe strongly that one of the reasons he has grown politically is how he has been treated,” he said, suggesting that perceived political persecution can often translate into public sympathy and support.
Gachagua has been a victim of police and goons’ attacks, including while attending church services.
He has gained a massive following across Kenya since his impeachment from the government.
President Ruto whipped legislators to impeach Gachagua, 2 years after they were elected in a joint ticket.
Kang’ata’s remarks underscore widening cracks within UDA, particularly in its Central Kenya stronghold, a region seen as critical to President Ruto’s re-election strategy.
Ruto is currently trying to win back the region that gave him the majority of votes, propelling him to the State House.
