Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced that he will not seek re-election on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Kang’ata said the decision followed internal efforts to resolve differences within the party, including a direct engagement with President William Ruto that failed to yield a consensus.

Kang’ata revealed that he had held a candid, one-on-one discussion with the Head of State in a bid to align on key issues, but acknowledged that they did not reach an agreement.

The governor maintained that his decision was guided by the will of the people, emphasising that leadership must reflect public sentiment.

“His Excellency the president, has always told us that the people are supreme. Thank you for that statement, and therefore, my responsibility is to adhere to what the people have told me. In light of that, because I have tried my best to have these issues resolved internally, I have had a candid discussion with His Excellency the president one-on-one, where we shared these ideas, but we did not reach what we call ‘full convergence’,” he said.

Plans to unveil new political platform

While confirming his exit from the UDA ticket, Kang’ata said he would, at a later stage, announce the platform under which he will seek re-election.

“I have no doubts to say that after careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket. I will later, at a certain stage, communicate the platform which I will use to present myself to the electorate,” he said.

Despite the announcement, the governor clarified that he will remain a member of UDA for the remainder of his term and continue working with the national government.

“However, until then, I will remain a disciplined and committed member of the UDA party. I will continue to serve diligently in my capacity and to cooperate with the national government in delivering development to our people and remain loyal to the president and also to the party through the remainder of this term,” Kang’ata clarified.

Kang’ata rules out higher office ambitions

Kang’ata also dismissed speculation about seeking higher office, stating that his political ambitions are limited to defending his gubernatorial seat.

“I do not intend to run to become the president of Kenya neither do I want to become the deputy president in this country. Therefore, my interest and his interest do not conflict. Mine is only to defend my Murang’a seat,” he said.

UDA pressure

The governor further disclosed that he has been under pressure to publicly endorse government programmes during the president’s recent visits to Murang’a County.

“I felt this was important for me to say: I have seen, for the last few days, the president has been in Murang’a, and any time when I go there, I am being pressured to endorse his programmes,” he noted.

Kang’ata’s announcement is expected to have ripple effects within the UDA party, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, which remains a key political battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.

President Ruto has visited Murang’a twice in under two weeks, with his latest visit being on Sunday, May 3, 2026, where he attended a church service at AIC Githumu in Kandara.

Gachagua’s ultimatum

Kang’ata’s decision comes weeks after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared that he would sponsor a rival candidate against him if the Murang’a county boss fails to align with his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Gachagua, who has been consolidating support through his political outfit, has increasingly pushed for regional leaders to align with his movement, a strategy that has drawn both support and criticism, with former President Ruto’s senior economic advisor, Moses Kuria, warning Murang’a residents against what he termed ‘divisive politics’ ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, March 23, 2026, the Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party leader, who has since declared his interest in the Gatundu South parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, dismissed the ultimatum, urging Murang’a residents to prioritise development over political affiliations.