Kang’ata Breaks Silence on UDA Rift as He Dismisses Defection Claims and Warns Party Is ‘Losing Grip’ in Mt Kenya
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has pushed back against claims he is on the verge of defecting to a rival political outfit, even as he delivered a stark warning that President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is rapidly losing influence in the Mt Kenya region.
The governor’s remarks come in the wake of his announcement that he will not seek re-election on a UDA ticket—fueling speculation that he could be aligning himself with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
However, Kang’ata declined to confirm any such move, instead shifting focus to what he described as self-inflicted political damage by the government.
“DCP is a competitor of UDA. The government has been taking actions whose net effect is to make DCP more popular,” Kang’ata said during an interview on Citizen TV.
“Violence meted out on opposition supporters is strengthening the case for the opposition. The government is shooting itself in the foot.”
Political storm over DP claims
Kang’ata’s position has triggered sharp reactions within government ranks, with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah accusing him of political opportunism.
Ichung’wah alleged that the governor’s fallout with UDA stemmed from his unsuccessful push to be appointed Deputy President following the impeachment of Gachagua in 2024.
“The kind of pressure you were exerting to be named Deputy President… I gave you my piece of mind on your candidature and the politics of hypocrisy,” Ichung’wah claimed in a statement shared online.
But Kang’ata dismissed the claims, insisting his decision was rooted in broader political considerations rather than personal ambition.
“This thing is not personal. I will not be drawn into the personalization of politics,” he said.
“Kimani remains a good friend. The full details of my supposed candidature—I do not intend to discuss them now.”
‘UDA losing touch’ in Mt Kenya
In a candid assessment, Kang’ata suggested that UDA’s standing in Mt Kenya—a region widely seen as a political stronghold—has significantly weakened.
“I have seen how politics is going on, and I am convinced it will not end well for UDA, at least in my region,” he said.
He added that mounting political pressure had forced him to take a clear stance.
“It reaches a stage when you are put into a corner where you have to say something… if you don’t, people start questioning you.”
Still in UDA—for now
Despite the speculation, Kang’ata maintained that he remains a member of UDA and will not resign under pressure, pointing to ongoing cooperation between Murang’a County and the national government.
At the same time, he outlined strict conditions for any future political alignment ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Whichever camp I join must prioritise manufacturing, education—especially day schools—and healthcare, including insurance for the poor,” he stated.
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