Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has signaled a possible political break from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, UDA, ahead of the 2027 general election, saying he will not defend his seat on the party’s ticket when the time comes.
In a statement on 2027 politics and the economy, Kang’ata said his differences with the current political direction are not personal, but are based on principle, policy priorities and the manner in which leaders engage citizens and political opponents.
“I wish to state that when the appropriate time comes, I will not seek to defend my seat on the party’s ticket,” Kang’ata said.
The governor, however, maintained that he remains a committed member of the party for the remainder of the current term and will continue working with the national government in delivering development to the people of Murang’a.
“I remain a disciplined and committed member of the party. I will continue to serve diligently in my current capacity and to cooperate with the national government in delivering development to our people,” he said.
Kang’ata, who has previously served as Kiharu MP, Murang’a senator and senate Majority Whip, acknowledged his long political relationship with President Ruto, saying their association dates back to 2013.
He said the partnership had been built over years of working together in different capacities, but added that honest differences had now emerged.
“Our association stretches back to 2013 when I first served as Member of Parliament for Kiharu. Over the years, as MP, senator, and now governor, we have worked closely in advancing shared goals for our people,” he said.
“However, as is natural in public life, there are moments when honest differences emerge. My divergence is not personal; it is grounded in principle.”
The governor appeared to take issue with what he described as growing political tension and intolerance in the country, warning that confrontational politics could backfire by creating sympathy for those perceived to be targeted.
“Leadership must be anchored in persuasion, not pressure; in dialogue, not coercion,” Kang’ata said.
“Politics is about winning hearts through ideas, humility, and service, speaking to citizens respectfully, even when they disagree with us.”
He further warned that recent incidents involving political leaders, places of worship and opposition figures risk portraying the country as drifting toward intolerance.
“Recent developments in our political environment raise concern. Instances of confrontation and tension create a perception that politics is drifting toward intolerance. This does not strengthen our democracy,” he said.
Kang’ata also used the statement to outline his preferred economic agenda, saying Kenya should place greater emphasis on manufacturing, education and health as the main pillars of national transformation.
He argued that although the government has made efforts in those sectors, the scale of intervention is still inadequate.
“Manufacturing, education, and health should be the central pillars of our national policy. While there has been effort toward these sectors, the focus and scale are not yet sufficient to deliver the transformation Kenya requires,” he said.
On education, Kang’ata called for full funding of free day secondary education, estimating that the programme would require about Sh40 billion annually.
He said the move would ease the burden on parents and guarantee access to education for all children.
“We should move decisively toward fully funding free day secondary schooling, at an estimated cost of about Sh40 billion annually, to guarantee access for every child and ease the burden on families,” he said.
On manufacturing, the Murang’a governor said the country must shift from consumption to production by lowering the cost of power, offering tax incentives tied to exports and output, and prioritizing locally manufactured goods in public procurement.
“We must shift from consumption to production,” he said.
“This requires lowering the cost of power, aligning tax incentives with actual output and exports, and establishing well-serviced industrial zones linked to key sectors such as agro-processing and textiles.”
On health, Kang’ata said the country should strengthen primary healthcare, ensure reliable supply of essential medicines and expand insurance coverage in a sustainable way.
“My foremost responsibility is to the people who entrusted me with leadership. That mandate requires independent judgment, candour, and decisions that safeguard both their immediate interests and long-term prosperity,” he said.
Kang’ata said he had shared his views within the party and held discussions at senior levels, but the talks had not produced full agreement.
“I have shared my views openly within the party and engaged in candid discussions at the highest level. While those engagements have been respectful, we have not reached full convergence,” he said.
Although he did not reveal the political platform he intends to use in 2027, Kang’ata said he would make the announcement at a later stage.
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