Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has welcomed Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata following his announcement that he will not seek re-election on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2027.

In a brief but politically loaded message shared via her official X account on Sunday, May 3, 2026, shortly after Kang’ata’s declaration, Omanga signalled what many might interpret as an invitation to join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

“KARIBU NYUMBANI MHESHIMIWA IRUNGU KANG’ATA,” Omanga wrote on X.

Omanga’s remarks came moments after Kang’ata publicly confirmed that he would not defend his Murang’a gubernatorial seat on the UDA ticket, citing unresolved differences despite engaging President William Ruto in direct discussions.

“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’,” Kang’ata said.

Omanga’s message has since sparked speculation over Kang’ata’s next political move.

DCP positioning ahead of 2027

Omanga, who is eyeing the Nairobi Woman Representative seat under the DCP banner, has in recent months been actively positioning the party as an alternative platform for leaders seeking to chart a new political path.

While Kang’ata confirmed his intention to exit the UDA ticket for the next election, he maintained that he remains a loyal member of the party for the remainder of his current term, with him planning to announce an alternative political platform later on.

He also clarified that he does not intend to run for higher office, stating that his focus remains on retaining his seat as governor of Murang’a County.

Gachagua’s ultimatum

Kang’ata’s decision comes weeks after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared that he would sponsor a rival candidate against him if the Murang’a county boss fails to align with his DCP party.

Gachagua, who has been consolidating support through his political outfit, has increasingly pushed for regional leaders to align with his movement, a strategy that has drawn both support and criticism, with former President Ruto’s senior economic advisor, Moses Kuria, warning Murang’a residents against what he termed ‘divisive politics’ ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, March 23, 2026, the Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party leader, who has since declared his interest in the Gatundu South parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, dismissed the ultimatum, urging Murang’a residents to prioritise development over political affiliations.