Irungu Kang’ata has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2027 under the United Democratic Alliance ticket, in a major political development that comes just hours after hosting President William Ruto in Murang’a County.
Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, Kang’ata said his decision was influenced by pressure from both within and outside the party, as well as unresolved internal disagreements.
The Murang’a governor disclosed that he had held candid discussions with President Ruto regarding the matter, but the talks failed to produce a complete agreement.
Despite his exit from UDA, Kang’ata clarified that he still intends to defend his gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, though under a different political party, which he said he will unveil at a later date.
He also dismissed speculation linking him to a possible presidential or deputy presidential bid, maintaining that his political focus remains firmly on Murang’a County.
“My focus is Murang’a and serving the people of this county,” Kang’ata stated.
Even with the decision to abandon the UDA ticket, the governor pledged continued cooperation with the national government and reaffirmed his loyalty to President Ruto for the remainder of the current term.
The announcement is expected to trigger fresh political realignments in the Mt Kenya region as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
