NAIROBI, Kenya – Irungu Kang’ata, the current Governor of Murang’a County, has carved a reputation as a dynamic and progressive leader who has held key positions in Kenya’s political landscape, serving each position with dedication for a single term.
His career spans over two decades of public service, marked by a robust record of legislative achievements and legal advocacy.
Born in 1980 in Murang’a town, Kang’ata’s early years were rooted in his local community.
He attended Murang’a Township Primary School (now Vidhu Ramji Primary School) from 1986 to 1993, before moving on to Thika High School, where his academic brilliance earned him admission to the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1997.
His leadership abilities were evident early on; in 1999, he was elected Vice Chairman of the Kenya Law Students Society and later, Vice Chairman of the entire university’s students’ body, SONU.
This student activism led to his suspension from the university after leading a strike in 2000, but he was later reinstated in 2003 when the NARC government granted amnesty to suspended students.
Kang’ata graduated in 2005 with an LL.B, followed by a diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law in 2006.
He furthered his education, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M) and a PhD from the University of Nairobi.
Kang’ata’s political career began early when, at just 22, he was elected a Councillor for Central Ward in Murang’a Municipal Council in 2002.
He quickly made his mark, serving as the Chair of the Town Planning Committee and spearheading the recovery of grabbed public land, including Mumbi stadium.
In 2013, he made a successful bid for the Kiharu parliamentary seat on a TNA ticket, receiving 63,148 votes.
During his tenure, he championed the Higher Education Loans Board (Amendment) Bill, which sought to protect unemployed graduates from penalties—a cause that earned him a nomination for the Mzalendo Trust People’s Shujaaz Award in 2015.
Kang’ata’s rise in national politics came in 2017 when he contested for the Murang’a Senatorial seat, unseating the incumbent Senator Kembi Gitura with 279,285 votes.
This victory came despite an earlier stance in 2014 where he had advocated for the abolition of the Senate, a position he later retracted, emphasizing that devolution could not be fully realized without the Upper House.
As Senator, Kang’ata’s contributions were recognized when President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded him the prestigious Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear for his public service, including medical camps in Murang’a County and his legislative work.
His tenure also saw him serve as Senate Majority Chief Whip, although he was removed from the position in February 2021.
In the 2022 General Election, Kang’ata vied for the Murang’a gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket.
His campaign resonated with voters, and he won with a decisive mandate, becoming the county’s second governor, succeeding Mwangi wa Iria.
His governorship has been marked by a focus on progressive reforms, development initiatives, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of the people of Murang’a County.
Aside from politics, Kang’ata is a seasoned legal practitioner and runs a law firm, Irungu Kangata & Company Advocates, specializing in corporate law.
His commitment to justice was notably demonstrated in 2012 when he defended Rebecca Kerubo, the security guard involved in the high-profile case against then-Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, a case that culminated in the Deputy Chief Justice’s resignation.
