“After Careful Consideration …!” – Mt Kenya Governor Ditches UDA After Ruto’s Visit
Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced that he will not defend his gubernatorial seat under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket in 2027.
Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, May 3, Kangata said the decision followed pressure from outside and inside the party and internal efforts to resolve differences within the party.
He also revealed that the decision came after he had a candid discussion with President William Ruto, which the governor says did not result in a full convergence.
“After careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket,” Kangata stated.
Governor Irungu Kang'ata: I will not defend my seat on UDA ticket in 2027. I don't intend to run for president or deputy president pic.twitter.com/moSgga0NOZ
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 3, 2026
He added that he will ditch President Ruto’s party (UDA) come 2027.
The Murang’a governor further stated that he will later announce a political platform that he will use in the next general elections.
At the same time, he confirmed that he will be seeking reelection as the governor of Murang’a.
Kang’ata downplayed reports that he might be eyeing the presidency or the deputy president position 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 added.
Despite the deliberation, Kang’ata emphasised that he still remains a loyal and disciplined member of the UDA party and would continue cooperating with the national government for the remainder of this term.
Epistles of Governor Irungu Kang’ata
— Pauline Njoroge (@paulinenjoroge) May 3, 2026
Things are boiling nicely! pic.twitter.com/7YOqgoAAdV
“I will remain loyal to the President and also to the party through the remainder of this term,” he stated.
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According to Kang’ata, he had been under pressure during recent Ruto’s tours of Murang’a to publicly declare his position.
Also, he indicated that differing views on strategy and party direction influenced his decision to eventually seek re-election on a different platform, which he said he will unveil at a later date.
The announcement comes hours after the governor accompanied Ruto to a church service in Murang’a and later to events where Ruto commissioned a number of projects on Sunday, May 3.
His announcement also comes at a critical time when leaders, especially from the Mount Kenya region, are shifting their loyalty from the president, with many ditching UDA to other political parties.
However, Kang’ata becomes the first leader from the region to publicly make the announcement.
“After Careful Consideration …!” – Mt Kenya Governor Ditches UDA After Ruto’s Visit
