Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced that he will not seek re-election under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Sunday May 3, 2026, during a press briefing, Governor Kang’ata said the decision followed internal efforts to resolve differences within the party that failed to yield a consensus.
Kang’ata disclosed that he held a private meeting with President William Ruto to discuss key political and national issues, but noted that the talks ended without an agreement. He added that he will later announce a political platform that he will use in the next general elections.
“In light of this, and after careful reflection, I wish to state that when the appropriate time comes, I will not seek to defend my seat on the party’s ticket. I will, at a later stage, communicate the platform through which I will present myself to the electorate,” he said.
The governor maintained that his decision was informed by the will of the people, noting that leadership must align with public sentiment and expectations.
“His Excellency, the president, has always told us that the people are supreme. Thank you for that statement, and therefore, my responsibility is to adhere to what the people have told me. In light of that, because I have tried my best to have these issues resolved internally, I have had a candid discussion with His Excellency the president one-on-one, where we shared these ideas, but we did not reach what we call ‘full convergence’,” he said.
He confirmed that he will seek re-election for the gubernatorial seat, dismissing reports suggesting he was pursuing higher political office, including the presidency or deputy presidency in 2027.
“I do not intend to become the President of Kenya, nor do I want to become the Deputy President of this country. Mine is only to defend my Murang’a seat,” he said.
Despite the political shift, Irungu Kang’ata maintained that he remains committed to working with and supporting President William Ruto and will stay loyal to the UDA Party until the 2027 elections.
“I will remain loyal to the President and also to the party through the remainder of this term,” he stated.
The announcement positions Irungu Kang’ata as the first prominent figure from the Mount Kenya region to publicly clarify his political position amid the shifting political landscape.
