Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced he will not defend his gubernatorial seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket in the 2027 elections, triggering a dramatic public confrontation with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa.
Speaking on Sunday, May 3, Kang’ata said he had arrived at the decision after careful consideration, though he declined to reveal which political platform he would use to seek re-election.
“I have no doubt to say that after careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket. I will later at a certain stage communicate the platform which I will present myself to the electorate,” the governor said.
Kang’ata was quick to stress that his decision should not be interpreted as a complete break with the ruling party, insisting he would remain committed to his current responsibilities and continue cooperating with President William Ruto and the national administration for the remainder of his term.
Ichungwa Unleashes Scathing Attack
However, the announcement provoked a fierce response from Ichungwa, the Kikuyu MP, who accused Kang’ata of dragging his name into political schemes and attempting to use him to gain favor with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a blistering public statement, Ichungwa dismissed claims that he had been pressuring Kang’ata, saying he had only called out what he termed the governor’s “hypocrisy” during a public encounter at Kenneth Matiba Hospital.
“We know each other well. Remember our Lavington meeting at the time of impeachment? That is what would constitute exerting pressure. The kind of pressure you were exerting to be named Deputy President,” Ichungwa wrote, appearing to reference behind-the-scenes political maneuvering during a turbulent period in national politics.
The Majority Leader accused Kang’ata of trying to use his name to please Gachagua and sideline political competitors in Murang’a, warning him to “pay the ransoms he demands if you desire to be his candidate.”
Threat to Expose Secret Dealings
In what appeared to be a thinly veiled threat, Ichungwa challenged the governor: “My brother, do you really want me to disclose to the people of Murang’a full details of our Lavington meeting? Including what you did with Murang’a resources? It is NOT in your interest.”
He urged Kang’ata to “fight your battles and keep off name dropping to advance your hypocritical politics of deceit,” adding that he had chosen to respond publicly since the governor had taken the same route.
Mt Kenya Politics in Flux
The explosive exchange between the two leaders underscores deepening divisions within the ruling UDA party and the broader Kenya Kwanza coalition as the country heads toward the 2027 general election.
Kang’ata’s decision to abandon the UDA ticket could signal a broader political realignment in Mt Kenya region, particularly as allies of the impeached Gachagua seek to regroup and chart a new political path.
Political analysts say the governor’s next move will be closely watched, with speculation mounting that he could join forces with Gachagua or seek an alternative political vehicle to secure his re-election bid.
The public fallout also raises questions about the stability of President Ruto’s support base in the Mt Kenya region, traditionally a crucial voting bloc in Kenyan politics.
