Of political pressure and evolution: Why Irungu Kang'ata is not resting easy

 

When Governor Irungu Kang'ata welcomed President William Ruto to a past event in Murang'a County. [File, Standard]

In a surprise move, Murang’a governor Irungu Kangata announced that he will not seek re-election on a UDA ticket in next year’s general election. In a candid interview with Mike Kihaki, the county explains what informed these sudden decisions hours after sharing the same podium with President William Ruto.

You’ve made a major political announcement that you will not seek re-election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. What informed this decision?

This decision has not come abruptly. When I became governor, my strategy was to remain quiet, focus on service delivery and avoid unnecessary politics. However, as time went on, especially during President William Ruto’s visit to Murang’a, I found myself under pressure to declare my political position. I felt pushed into a corner. At that point, I had to speak my mind. From where I sit, the current political direction will not end well for UDA, especially in my region.

You say pressure, what kind of pressure exactly?

When top leaders visit your county to launch projects, there is an expectation that you align publicly and politically. If you do not, you are seen as disloyal or dishonest. Some even called it hypocrisy. But for me, leadership requires honesty. I felt the time had come to stop pretending and say what I truly believe.

Immediately after your announcement, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah hit back strongly, even referencing a private meeting. What is your response?

First, let me say he remains my friend, a very good friend. We have worked together for a long time. I do not want to personalise politics. If mentioning his name earlier offended, I apologise. On the issues he raised, I believe some matters are too sensitive to discuss publicly. Leadership sometimes demands restraint. I would prefer we handle such matters privately.

He seemed to threaten disclosure of details from a Lavington meeting. Should Kenyans be concerned?

I would not want to escalate that conversation. There are things leaders know that, if disclosed carelessly, can erode trust in the political space. I believe in maintaining decorum. If necessary, we can discuss and resolve it privately.

You’ve criticised government programmes, such as markets and housing. Are these policy disagreements part of your exit?

Yes, policy is a major issue. Take markets, for example. We have seen large investments, even during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s time, where billions were spent, but traders did not occupy them. Kenyan traders prefer open markets. If we do not rethink such models, we risk wasting resources.

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata. [File, Standard]

So what would you do differently?

I would prioritise areas that directly impact people. For instance, free day secondary education. We have about 2.7 million students in day schools, each paying roughly Sh13,000 annually. That is about Sh35 billion. If we reallocate resources wisely, we can achieve this. It would transform families across the country.

Critics say your move is influenced by shifting political winds in Mt Kenya. Is that fair?

Not really. My concern is what UDA itself is doing. Some actions, such as violence against opposition supporters or failure to address such incidents, end up strengthening the opposition. It is like scoring an own goal. I believe strategy matters in politics.

You’ve also mentioned a “siege mentality” in your region. What do you mean?

There have been several events that create the perception that the region is under political attack. The removal of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as Budget Committee chair, issues involving Governor Wamatangi, and even the impeachment of leaders all contribute to a sense of unease. People begin to feel targeted. That is not healthy politically.

Yet you say you are still a member of UDA. Isn’t that contradictory?

Not really. I have ongoing projects in Murang’a that require collaboration with the national government. For now, I remain in the party, but politically, I have made it clear I will not seek re-election on its ticket. The people of Murang’a will ultimately decide.

Why not resign now and seek a fresh mandate?

Leadership is not just about politics; it is also about completing projects and serving people. There will be time for political decisions. For now, my focus is on delivery.

What is your next political move? Will you join another party?

It is too early to say. I am observing. But whichever political side I join must commit to three key priorities.

Which are?

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata. [File, Standard]

First, manufacturing. Most items we use are imported, meaning we export jobs and import inflation. Countries, such as Bangladesh and Mauritius have grown through manufacturing. Kenya must do the same. Second, education, especially free day secondary education. It is achievable and necessary. Third, healthcare. We need a national insurance system that supports the poor at scale. Current interventions are not sufficient.

Listening to you, one might think you are preparing for a presidential run

Not at all. I have no intention of running for president or deputy president. My focus is to defend my seat as governor. However, leadership should be driven by ideas, not positions.

You’ve avoided endorsing any presidential candidate. Why?

Because it is too early. Politics evolves. What matters to me is the agenda, who has the best ideas for Kenya and who can articulate solutions. That is what I will consider when the time comes.

Even when pressed, you declined to say whether you would vote for President Ruto again

I have great respect for him. He is a personal friend. But political decisions are based on principles and strategy. I will make that decision when the time comes.

Critics say you are sitting on the fence.

I disagree. I am taking a principled position. I have raised issues about policy, strategy and governance. That is not fence-sitting; that is leadership.

You’ve also criticised how dissent is handled, including incidents of violence. How serious is this concern?

Very serious. Murang’a has a history of democratic leaders, such as Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, who stood for multiparty democracy. When we see political violence today, it is worrying. We must not create a society where intimidation replaces debate. That is not the Kenya we want for our children.

Do you think UDA can recover in your region?

It depends on whether they are willing to change. They need to avoid coercion and embrace persuasion. They need clarity on policy and strategy. If they do that, anything is possible.

What legacy do you want to leave?

Politics is temporary, but impact is permanent. Programmes, such as Kang’ata Care, youth skilling and urban development, will outlast political slogans. Leaders must think beyond elections. We are here for a short time, but what we build should serve generations.