Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has revealed details of his attempts to mend ties with President William Ruto before eventually deciding to part ways with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking in an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, June 22, 2026, Kang’ata revealed that he made several efforts to reach out to Ruto but felt that the Head of State was avoiding him.

“During the Murang’a Investment Forum, I tried looking for the president, but I noted that he was trying to avoid me. I even tried to call him, but he did not answer my calls,” Kang’ata said.

The governor further disclosed that he eventually used another politician to facilitate contact with the president and secure his participation in the investment forum.

According to Kang’ata, Ruto later called him after the event and commended the organisation of the forum. However, the conversation also touched on the growing political distance between them, saying the president observed that there was a disconnect between them.

“After the event, the president called me and said the event was well organised, but he told me that he felt there was a disconnect between us. He wanted to know the reason for the disconnect, and I gave him my view, after which it did not go well,” he said.

Kang’ata said he subsequently chose to remain silent out of respect for the president’s office and political experience.

“I then decided to keep quiet because Ruto is more experienced, and he is the Head of State,” he stated.

Kanga’ata reveals skipping State House invites

The Murang’a governor further revealed that he was invited to meetings at State House but deliberately skipped them.

He said he also stayed away from the meetings, saying he could not publicly support positions he did not believe in and say what the government side wanted to hear.

“I was later invited to the State House for meetings and did not show up. When they came to, I could not go to the meetings because I could not say what they wanted to hear,” he said.

Kang’ata said the situation eventually convinced him to end what he described as a “cold war” and openly declare his political position.

“That is when I chose to avoid the Cold War and declare my stance,” he added.

His remarks provide fresh insight into the deteriorating relationship between the Murang’a governor and President Ruto, days after announcing that he had left the ruling party, UDA, and later joining the Linda Mwananchi Movement.