Kang’ata explains why his political calculations favour Sifuna and not Ruto’s UDA
By Faith Lagat, July 5, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said his political calculations no longer favour the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, explaining that his decision to support Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement is based on electoral realities rather than personal friendship.
Speaking on Saturday, July 4, 2026, during the burial of the late Jack Wamboka’s brother in Bungoma County, Kang’ata said politics is guided by numbers and changing political dynamics.
The event brought together several leaders and Linda Mwananchi officials. Kang’ata began by condoling with the family of the late brother of local MP Jack Wamboka, describing him as a committed Christian who served the community. He also praised Wamboka’s leadership, urging residents to re-elect him for a second term.
Kang’ata says politics is about numbers
Turning to national politics, Kang’ata reflected on his long political relationship with UDA’s President William Ruto, saying they had worked together for many years, dating back to his time as MP for Kiharu. However, he said political decisions must be informed by the prevailing situation.
“Siasa wakati mwingine si urafiki ni hesabu. Nikifanya hesabu zangu haziingiani. Haziingiani.”
He cited previous political realignments involving the late former President Mwai Kibaki, the late Raila Odinga, and President Ruto, saying shifts in alliances have always influenced election outcomes.
Kang’ata said the fallout between President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had changed the political landscape in the Mt Kenya region. He also argued that support had weakened in several other regions, including Lower Eastern, Western, Kisii and parts of Nyanza, making it necessary for him to reassess his political direction.
Backs Sifuna’s growing political profile
Kang’ata said Sifuna had emerged at a time when there was growing political momentum among young people and across different parts of the country.
“Ukweli ni kwamba huyu kijana Sifuna ametoka wakati iko opportunity kubwa ya kwenda mbele. One ni kijana. Saa hizi kuko na msukumo wa vijana wa Gen Z. Pili ako katika jamii ambayo ni kubwa mno.”
He said Sifuna has demonstrated an ability to attract crowds in different regions, including Mt Kenya, Kisii, Kajiado, Mombasa and Kisumu.
“Ni kiongozi yupi wa ODM amekuja Mount Kenya anafanya mkutano na watu wanatokea isipokuwa Sifuna hakuna. Ni kiongozi yupi anaenda Kisii watu wanatokea, anaenda Kajiado watu wanatokea, anaenda Mombasa anajaza stadium, anaenda Kisumu anajaza stadium.”
Kang’ata added that he had chosen to support Sifuna after weighing his own political ambitions.
“Fikiria mimi ni gavor nimesema my ambition niweke kando… nikajua huyu kijana anaenda mbali.”
He, however, advised the Nairobi Senator to work with leaders from different regions, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying broader consultations would strengthen his national appeal.
Governor outlines priorities for the next government
Kang’ata also outlined three issues he believes should form the agenda of the next administration.
He proposed free secondary education for learners in day schools, saying the programme would require about Ksh30 billion annually.
“Ningeulizwa wangetoa tu 30 billion day school education ipatikane hapa Kenya.”
He also called for expanded healthcare support for vulnerable Kenyans through a government-funded medical card programme. “Hatuwezi kosa 30 billion ya kupatia maskini wapate kadi ya kwenda hospitali bila malipo.”
On the economy, Kang’ata said Kenya should prioritise industrialisation to create employment opportunities locally instead of relying on imported manufactured goods. “Next government lazima iensure tuko na industries katika hapa Kenya.”
His remarks come as the Linda Mwananchi movement continues holding rallies across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Sifuna among the leaders spearheading the nationwide mobilisation.