Kang’ata: UDA strategy missteps creating unrest in the region
By Mustafa Juma, May 4, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has criticised the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over what he termed “strategic missteps” that are fuelling political tension and a growing “siege mentality” in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Sunday, May 3, 2026, just moments after announcing that he would not defend his seat in 2027 on the UDA ticket, Kang’ata pointed to a series of recent political developments which, he said, have unsettled leaders and residents alike, raising concerns about the party’s approach to internal management and regional relations.
Ndindi Nyoro’s removal from budget committee
Among the issues highlighted by the governor is the removal of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as chair of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Kang’ata described Nyoro as a close ally and credited him for his past support, noting that the decision to remove him had sent the wrong political signals in the region.
“Ndindi Nyoro is a very good friend of mine. He was my CDF chair when I was serving as Kiharu MP,” Kang’ata said.
“One of the reasons I feel UDA party strategies need to be improved is when they removed Ndindi Nyoro as the chair of the budget committee in the National Assembly,” he added.
Siege mentality
The governor further linked Nyoro’s removal to a broader pattern of events that he said has contributed to unease within Mt Kenya.
“There are some actions that have been done in my region, which are creating a siege mentality,” he said.
Kang’ata cited the attack on property linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, as well as the impeachment of the Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, as examples of incidents that have heightened political anxiety.
Growing cracks within UDA
His remarks come just hours after he announced that he will not defend his Murang’a gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket in the 2027 General Election, a move that has intensified speculation about divisions within the ruling party.
Despite the criticism, Kang’ata has maintained that he remains a member of UDA for the remainder of his current term, even as he explores alternative political options for 2027.
The concerns raised could have wider implications as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the next election cycle.
Kang’ata’s critique is likely to add pressure on UDA leadership to reassess its internal strategies and engagement with regional leaders, particularly as competition for influence intensifies.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah is among the UDA leaders who have already launched a sharp public attack against Kang’ata over his decision.
Ichung’wah made the remarks on his Facebook page on Sunday, May 3, 2026, the same day Kang’ata addressed journalists about his political future. In the post, he directly confronted the governor, accusing him of hypocrisy, dishonesty, and repeatedly using his name in political exchanges.
“My friend Kang’ata, Governor Murang’a. What is it I am hearing that you claim I have been pressuring you?” Ichung’wah wrote.
He insisted that his earlier comments at Kenneth Matiba Hospital were made in public and were not meant to pressure the governor but to challenge what he described as political hypocrisy.