Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said the Kenya Kwanza administration risks strengthening opposition politics through what he described as heavy-handed responses to opposition activities, including incidents involving violence and disruption during public gatherings.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, Kang’ata argued that some government actions are politically counterproductive and are instead creating sympathy for rival formations.
He said the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should be more concerned about its own conduct than opposition strategy.
“What is the role UDA has played to make DCP popular, which is, from where I sit, the opposite of how things ought to be. DCP is a competitor of UDA,” said Governor Irungu Kangata.
He added that reports of violence against opposition supporters during political events are contributing to increased support for rival leaders.
“The government has been taking actions whose net effect is to make DCP more popular, for example violence meted out on the people of the opposition,” he said.
Kang’ata’s remarks come amid a series of recent political confrontations involving opposition figures.
One of the most notable incidents occurred at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, during a Sunday service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies.
Opposition leaders said the gathering was disrupted after security officers lobbed tear gas in and around the church compound, forcing worshippers and supporters to flee in panic.
The incident sparked national debate over the use of force in religious and political spaces.
Another confrontation was reported in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, on April 11, 2026, during a rally linked to Gachagua’s political network.
Opposition figures alleged that the meeting was violently dispersed using tear gas, and that some participants were injured in the process.
Leaders including Martha Karua condemned the incident, calling it an attack on democratic expression and accusing security agencies of excessive force.
Kang’ata said such episodes risk damaging the government’s political standing by shifting public sympathy toward opposition leaders rather than weakening them.
“I am not interested in what the opposition is doing, I am more interested in what the government is doing to shoot itself in the foot and therefore strengthening the case for the opposition,” he said.