A fierce political storm is brewing in Murang’a after Governor Irungu Kang’ata announced his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), drawing sharp condemnation from Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and Maragua MP Mary Wamaua.
Speaking in Maragua on Thursday, the two leaders dismissed Kang’ata’s exit as an act of “cowardice” and “hypocrisy.” MP Wamaua alleged that the Governor fled not out of principle but fear specifically, the prospect of losing the UDA ticket to political rivals ahead of 2027.
“He abandoned the party that paved his way to the county’s top seat,” Wamaua charged, accusing Kang’ata of insincerity at a time when the Kenya Kwanza government is rolling out major development projects in Murang’a. She argued the Governor is distancing himself from the very administration that has supported the county’s growth for the past four years.
“We have no shortage of leaders in Murang’a who understand what this government is doing,” Wamaua declared, pointing to CS Wahome as a key figure loyal to the ruling party’s vision a clear signal of a looming 2027 showdown.
Kang’ata announced on May 3 that he would not seek re-election on a UDA ticket, citing unresolved internal party grievances and policy differences following a private meeting with President William Ruto. While the Governor insists he is following the “supreme will” of his constituents, his critics see betrayal.
As Kang’ata prepares to chart a new political path, UDA’s machinery in Murang’a has vowed to fight and retain its grip on the region.