Kang’ata revisits 2024 prediction on Gachagua’s political rise
By Faith Lagat, July 24, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has pointed to a political analysis he published in July 2024 after confirming that he will defend his seat on the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement shared on Friday, July 24, 2026, Kang’ata recalled an opinion article he wrote on July 20, 2024, in which he argued that then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua would become a significant political force ahead of the next General Election.
“On 20th July 2024, I wrote an article predicting the then H.E. Deputy President Gachagua will be influential come 2027 – the money or the box metaphor,” Kang’ata said.
He added: “2027 elections will use DCP to defend my seat. But remain a link with Linda.”
Kang’ata’s remarks come hours after he formally joined DCP at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, where the former Deputy President welcomed him to the party.
Kang’ata’s 2024 analysis
In the opinion article titled ‘What KK regime should fear and not fear’, Kang’ata examined the political landscape facing the Kenya Kwanza administration and identified Gachagua as a key figure to watch in Mt Kenya politics.
He argued that Gachagua’s influence could eventually force elected leaders in the region to choose between maintaining ties with the national government for development projects or aligning with the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kang’ata described that choice using the phrase “money or the box,” suggesting that Members of Parliament could face a decision between pursuing development resources from the national government and safeguarding their political future at the ballot.
The article also examined the role of smaller political parties, stating that while they might not pose an immediate challenge individually, they could later unite into stronger political formations.
Kang’ata further discussed the relationship between Kenya Kwanza and Raila Odinga, arguing that political cooperation could buy time for the government without resolving longer-term political competition.
He concluded the article by noting that his assessment was an analysis of political developments and acknowledged that his projections could ultimately prove wrong.
DCP move comes after months of political shifts
Kang’ata’s decision to join DCP follows months of political realignment that saw him distance himself from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) while maintaining that he would continue working with the national government on development matters in Murang’a County.
Before joining DCP, the governor had also associated himself with the Linda Mwananchi movement, a platform bringing together several opposition leaders. In his latest statement, he indicated that he intends to retain that connection even as he prepares to seek re-election under the DCP banner.
His entry into DCP adds another elected governor to the party as it continues to expand its presence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The announcement comes at a time when political parties are positioning themselves following recent by-elections and as leaders across the country continue to realign ahead of the next electoral cycle.
By revisiting his 2024 article, Kang’ata has linked his latest political move to an analysis he published two years earlier, saying the prediction he made about Gachagua’s influence is now reflected in his decision to seek re-election on the DCP ticket while maintaining ties with the Linda Mwananchi movement.