Could Kang’ata’s UDA exit spark a wider Mt Kenya rebellion?
By Aloys Michael, May 11, 2026The decision by Murang’a Irungu Kang’ata to distance himself from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is increasingly being viewed as a possible turning point in Mt Kenya politics, in what could trigger a wider rebellion against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kang’ata, one of the region’s most influential and popular leaders, said he is unlikely to defend his Murang’a gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket, despite maintaining close ties with the President for much of his tenure.
In remarks that have sent shockwaves across the political landscape, the governor told residents that while he had not settled on the political vehicle he would use in 2027, he already knew which path he would avoid.
Kang’ata’s political weight in Mt Kenya gives his decision added significance. An Infotrak survey conducted in February 2025 ranked him as the best-performing governor in the country, strengthening perceptions that his political calculations could influence a wider section of leaders and voters in the region.
Until recently, Kang’ata had been considered one of the cautious fence-sitters in Mt Kenya politics. Even during the political fallout surrounding the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kang’ata maintained a relatively balanced posture and was even mentioned in some political circles as a possible replacement running mate for President Ruto.
His latest remarks, however, suggest growing discontent within a section of Mt Kenya leaders who feel politically alienated despite helping propel Ruto to power in the 2022 elections.
Growing cracks within UDA
Kang’ata’s apparent exit comes at a time when the Mt Kenya region is experiencing heightened political uncertainty following the emergence of Gachagua’s DCP party and increasing anti-government sentiment.
His move is expected to embolden other leaders who have quietly been reconsidering their future in UDA but have so far avoided making public declarations.
Among those widely expected to reconsider their position is Kimani Wamatangi, whose relationship with sections of the national government has reportedly deteriorated over recent months.
“I am not going round looking for a party, but I will remain here in Kiambu. It is you (the residents) who will tell me the party we are going to join. Whichever you agree on, that is the one we will use. The only thing I will show you is the work I have done,” Wamatangi said on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Kiambu Township.
The cracks have also widened at the parliamentary level. Chege Njuguna recently ditched UDA for Gachagua’s DCP party, saying he had faced mounting pressure from constituents demanding that he leave the ruling outfit.
Former Purity Ngirici has also abandoned UDA as she positions herself for the Kirinyaga gubernatorial race, a move that is said to have contributed to her dismissal from a state parastatal position.
Mt Kenya played a decisive role in delivering votes for President Ruto during the 2022 election, becoming the bedrock of UDA’s national coalition. However, the impeachment of Gachagua fundamentally altered the political mood in the region.
Since then, Gachagua has sustained aggressive campaigns portraying the government as hostile to Mt Kenya interests, a strategy that appears to be resonating with sections of the electorate.
Although several elected leaders initially resisted aligning with Gachagua, preferring to maintain ties with the government for development reasons, Kang’ata’s declaration now offers political cover for others contemplating a similar shift.
Gachagua gains momentum as alliances shift
Kang’ata himself admitted that disagreements with President Ruto had been growing for some time, especially regarding the administration’s political strategy in Mt Kenya.
“The disagreements I had with the Head of State centred on two key issues. The first concerned political strategy, how to engage the Mt Kenya region and ensure UDA retains its support, where my position differed from that of my superior. The second related to policy priorities,” he said.
He further warned that UDA’s prospects in Mt Kenya were increasingly uncertain if current strategies remained unchanged.
The governor also pointed to the removal of Ndindi Nyoro as chairperson of the National Assembly Budget Committee as one of the developments that deepened frustrations in the region.
“One of the reasons I feel UDA party strategies need to be improved is when they removed Ndindi Nyoro as the chair of the budget committee. Some actions have been taken in my region which are creating a siege mentality,” he said.
The evolving political dynamics have simultaneously boosted Gachagua’s standing as he seeks to consolidate his influence as the region’s kingpin after his dramatic fallout with President Ruto.
Speaking in Kandara, Murang’a County, Gachagua claimed Kang’ata’s position reflected the prevailing public mood in the region.
“Kang’ata has declined to tag along Ruto. Had he sought re-election on a UDA ticket, would you have voted for him? Regardless of the work you have done, if you walk around with Ruto, we don’t want anything to do with you,” he said.
Gachagua had earlier indicated he was willing to support Kang’ata’s re-election bid if he joined DCP, even urging his preferred candidate Irungu wa Maai to step aside.
While Kang’ata has not formally declared allegiance to any opposition outfit, his acknowledgement that Gachagua has gained political sympathy because of how he was treated by the government signals a shifting political tide in Mt Kenya.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Kang’ata’s move may now become the clearest indication yet that dissatisfaction within UDA is no longer confined to private discussions but is gradually evolving into open political realignment.