Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has cast doubt on the political future of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the Mt Kenya region, warning that ongoing developments may not favour the ruling party.

Speaking amid growing political activity in the vote-rich region, Kang’ata said he is increasingly convinced that the current trajectory of politics could have negative implications for UDA’s standing locally.

“I have seen how the politics is going on, and I think I am now convinced it will not end well for the UDA party, at least in my region,” he said on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The governor revealed that his initial strategy was to focus on governance rather than engage in political contests.

“When I became a governor, my political strategy was to be quiet, to concentrate on my mandate,” he explained.

However, Kang’ata noted that the evolving political environment, particularly during high-profile visits by President William Ruto to Murang’a, has made it increasingly difficult to remain neutral.

“It reaches a stage when the president is in Murang’a, you are put into a corner where you have to say something. You are being nudged to make a choice to announce your statement, and if you don’t, people start saying you are not a good person,” he added.

Despite the pressure, the governor said he has yet to make a definitive political decision regarding his future alignment.

“Currently I have not made a decision. I have many options; I can be an independent candidate, or I can join a political party,” he said.

His remarks come amid heightened speculation that he could be headed to DCP, a party associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, especially after leaders allied to the outfit publicly welcomed him.

“I am yet to decide which party. I will be seeking to be reelected as governor; I do not want to be president. 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. 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,” Kang’ata added.