Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has responded to sharp criticism from Kikuyu MP and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, striking a conciliatory tone while declining to escalate the growing political row.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Kang’ata distanced himself from the public exchange, insisting the matter should not be turned into a personal feud.
He maintained that despite the recent fallout, his relationship with Ichung’wah remains intact.
“I will not respond to Kimani Ichung’wah, who remains my friend. This thing is not personal and I will not be drawn to personalization of politics,” Kang’ata said.
The governor’s remarks come days after Ichung’wah publicly criticized him following his announcement that he would not seek re-election on a UDA ticket in 2027, a move that has stirred debate within the ruling party.
Kang’ata, however, appeared keen to de-escalate tensions, emphasizing long-standing ties between the two leaders.
“I know Kimani from where I sit; he remains a good friend,” he added, signaling a preference for dialogue over public confrontation.
At the same time, Kang’ata avoided addressing claims surrounding his alleged interest in the Deputy President position following recent political developments.
He declined to give further details, indicating that the issue was not one he was ready to discuss publicly.
“The full details of my supposed candidature to become DP after the impeachment, for now I do not intend to talk much about,” he stated.
Instead, the governor called for a more discreet approach to resolving differences, suggesting that private engagement would be more constructive than public exchanges.
“I wish Kimani calls me in private, I will tell him the true story,” Kang’ata said.
The remarks highlight an emerging strategy by Kang’ata to manage internal political disputes away from the public arena, even as divisions within the ruling coalition continue to surface ahead of the 2027 General Election.