Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has clarified his political position following recent speculation over his future in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stating that he is yet to decide which party he will use to defend his seat in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, Kang’ata said his immediate political focus remains the Murang’a gubernatorial seat, distancing himself from national ambitions and insisting that his interests do not conflict with those of President William Ruto or Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
“I am yet to decide which party. I will be seeking to be reelected as governor; I do not want to be president,” Kang’ata said.
“Strictly speaking, the interest of William Ruto as a presidential candidate, the interest of Kithure Kindiki as DP, they do not conflict with my own interests because I do not seek to become the President or the DP. I am only interested in defending my seat.”
The governor’s remarks come amid heightened political realignments within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, with leaders reassessing their positions ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Kang’ata, who has been viewed as one of UDA’s key figures in the Mount Kenya region, also sought to downplay suggestions that he was drifting away from the ruling party.
“I still want to remain a member of UDA. I do have programs in the county, some of which are a collaboration with the national government,” he added, signalling continued working relations with the central administration despite growing internal political discussions.
His comments follow earlier signals that he may not defend his seat on a UDA ticket, a statement that sparked debate over possible shifts in loyalty and emerging rifts within the ruling party’s regional structure.
However, Kang’ata maintained that his focus remains on service delivery in Murang’a County, highlighting ongoing development programmes tied to both county and national government initiatives.
The clarification is likely to ease speculation about an immediate exit from UDA, even as political observers continue to watch his next moves closely in a region considered crucial for President Ruto’s political base.
Kang’ata’s statement now places emphasis on a gradual political decision-making process rather than an outright break, with his 2027 party affiliation still open.