NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Kenyan Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has claimed that Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata will eventually join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party, despite the governor saying he has not made a final decision on his political future.
Kuria, a senior figure in President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), said Kang’ata had been clear that he would remain in the ruling party until the 2027 general election, but questioned his remarks suggesting uncertainty beyond that.
“Governor Kang’ata is honest because he says he will be in the UDA Party until 2027, but saying that he does not know which party he will join, that is a lie. He will join Gachagua’s DCP Party,” Kuria said.
What Kang’ata has said
Governor Kang’ata on Sunday stated that he remains a member of UDA but is consulting on his political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
He has said he will not defend his seat on a UDA ticket, adding that he has not yet settled on a new political party.
“The President has always told us that the people are supreme; therefore, my responsibility is to adhere to what the people have told me,” the Murang’a Governor said.
“In light of that, and after careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket, UDA, ticket in 2027. I will later, at a certain stage, communicate the platform, which I will present myself to the electorate.”
Kang’ata has maintained that he will continue working with the government until the end of his term, while keeping his options open on future political alignment.
Political realignments in Mt Kenya
The remarks come amid growing political repositioning in Mt Kenya region, where several leaders are reassessing their affiliations ahead of the next election cycle.
Gachagua has positioned his party, DCP, as the region’s political vehicle ahead of 2027.
Kang’ata, who is serving his first term as governor, has previously been a close ally of the ruling coalition but has recently signalled shifting political dynamics in the region.
Kang’ata has accused UDA under President Ruto of operating against its promises, and specifically in the region.
