Siaya Governor James Orengo has appealed to the clergy to pray for Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata to join the opposition’s Linda Mwananchi movement.

Speaking at a Linda Mwananchi rally at Thika on Sunday, June 14, 2026, Orengo said prayers from the bishops and the wananchi could persuade Kang’ata to cross over and join the opposition-led campaign.

“There is one governor I work with called Irungu Kang’ata. I want you to pray for us and pray for him because I know he is listening. If you pray, I know he is going to join us in the rally. It is only you who can do it. If you do not pray, he will not come,” Orengo stated.

Kangata’s political stand

These remarks come months after Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata announced that he will not seek re-election on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 general election.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Kang’ata said the decision followed internal efforts to resolve differences within the party, including a direct engagement with President William Ruto that failed to yield a consensus.

Kang’ata revealed that he had held a candid, one-on-one discussion with the Head of State in a bid to align on key issues, but acknowledged that they did not reach an agreement.

The governor maintained that his decision was guided by the will of the people, emphasising that leadership must reflect public sentiment.

“His Excellency the president has always told us that the people are supreme. Thank you for that statement, and therefore, my responsibility is to adhere to what the people have told me. In light of that, because I have tried my best to have these issues resolved internally, I have had a candid discussion with His Excellency the president one-on-one, where we shared these ideas, but we did not reach what we call ‘full convergence’,” he said.