Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has dismissed claims that he has already settled on a new political home following his announcement that he will not defend his seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Kang’ata clarified that he is yet to make a final decision on whether to join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) or any other political outfit.

Available options

The governor said he is currently weighing multiple options, including running as an independent candidate.

“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.

Omanga’s message

Shortly after Kang’ata announced his decision to drop the UDA ticket, former nominated senator Millicent Omanga, who is seeking the Nairobi Woman Representative seat on a DCP ticket, posted a message widely interpreted as an invitation for him to join the party.

Omanga’s post added momentum to claims that Kang’ata could be aligning himself with the emerging political formation.

Maintains UDA membership for now

Despite distancing himself from the UDA ticket for 2027, Kang’ata reiterated that he remains a member of the ruling party and will continue working with the national government.

He emphasised that his decision does not signal immediate defection but rather a future political realignment.

Kang’ata also ruled out any ambitions for higher office, stating that his political focus remains on retaining the Murang’a governorship.

His declaration comes at a time when political leaders across the country are beginning to position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.

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 DCP party.

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.