Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has announced he will not defend his seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 elections. The decision came hours after a meeting with President William Ruto during his visit to Murang'a on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Kang'ata confirmed he will seek re-election as governor.
Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata held a press conference on Sunday, May 3, 2026, stating his decision followed pressure from inside and outside the UDA party as well as internal efforts to resolve differences.
He revealed a candid discussion with President William Ruto that did not yield full convergence. “After careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket,” Kang'ata stated.
Kang'ata said he will announce his new political platform later and remains a loyal UDA member through the end of his current term. “I will remain loyal to the President and also to the party through the remainder of this term,” he added.
The announcement comes amid shifts in loyalty among Mount Kenya region leaders, with Kang'ata the first to declare publicly. It followed his accompaniment of Ruto to a church service and project commissioning events in Murang'a earlier that day.
