Governor Irungu Kang’ata joins DCP months after ditching UDA
By Mustafa Juma, July 24, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has officially joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), ending months of speculation over his political future after announcing earlier this year that he would not seek re-election on President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua announced Kang’ata’s entry into the party on Friday, July 24, 2026, following a meeting at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.
Sharing photos of the meeting, Gachagua warmly welcomed the first-term governor into the party, describing DCP as “the party of the moment and the future”.
“Welcome home, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, where you belong. Today at Wamunyoro Residence, I was pleased to receive my younger brother, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Governor of Murang’a County, as a member of our party, DCP, the party of the moment and the future,” Gachagua stated.
Months after quitting UDA
Kang’ata’s decision comes nearly three months after he publicly declared that he would not defend his Murang’a gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket in the 2027 General Election.
In May, the governor cited differences in political strategy, citizen engagement and policy priorities as the reasons behind his decision, although he maintained that he would continue working with President Ruto’s government until the end of his current term.
At the time, Kang’ata insisted he had not settled on a new political vehicle, saying he was considering several options, including contesting as an independent candidate. He also dismissed reports that he had already joined Gachagua’s newly launched DCP, saying no final decision had been made.
His latest move now formally aligns him with Gachagua’s rapidly growing political outfit.
Gachagua hails DCP’s growth
While welcoming Kang’ata, Gachagua claimed the party has expanded rapidly since its launch and is positioning itself to become a dominant force in the 2027 elections.
According to the former Deputy President, DCP has already attracted millions of supporters across the country and continues to recruit aspirants seeking various elective seats.
“Since its inception, the DCP Party has grown into a strong national party with millions of followers and thousands of prospective aspirants ahead of the 10th August 2027 polls,” Gachagua said.
He further claimed that the party currently has one Member of the National Assembly and three Members of County Assemblies from different parts of Kenya.
“As we prepare for the next General Election, we are determined to be the majority party in both Houses and the majority across County Assemblies.”
Political realignment in Mt Kenya
Kang’ata’s decision is expected to significantly strengthen DCP’s influence in Mt Kenya, where Gachagua has been aggressively building support following his fallout with President Ruto.
The Murang’a governor ranks among the region’s most influential political figures and has consistently recorded high approval ratings in independent governance surveys.
His departure from UDA had already been viewed by analysts as a major setback for Kenya Kwanza in Mt Kenya, with several observers suggesting it could encourage more defections from the ruling coalition.
After quitting UDA, Kang’ata increasingly appeared alongside opposition leaders, including during Linda Mwananchi rallies, further fuelling speculation that he was edging closer to Gachagua’s political camp.