UDA facing growing political difficulties in Mt Kenya, Kanga’ta says

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata addressing journalists at his private office in Upper Hill, Nairobi on May 3, 2026./HANDOUT

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is facing growing political difficulties in the Mt Kenya region.

Addressing journalists at his private office in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Sunday, the governor warned that strategic errors could cost the party support ahead of future elections.

Speaking on Sunday while addressing the media, Governor Kang’atasaid the President has a national mandate beyond Mt Kenya, noting that electoral support extends across the country.

“I believe that the President has been elected by many Kenyans, not just my region, Mount Kenya. So many can get votes in so many other places, not just Mount Kenya,” he said.

However, Kang’ata emphasised his position as a county leader in Murang’a, saying he must remain aligned with broader leadership structures.

“But me, I'm a governor in Murang’a, in Mount Kenya, for God's sake. So I have to always be in tandem with my brother. Therefore, I don't talk in front of him,” he said.

He also expressed frustration over internal political dynamics, suggesting he felt sidelined in decision-making processes.

“I’m very unhappy when I get this impression that I’m being played, that I’m playing a game,” he said.

The governor argued that there are visible challenges within the region’s political alignment with UDA, attributing them to what he described as strategic errorsby the party.

Kang’ata warned that if current trends persist, the party could face electoral backlash in the region.

“It’s very clear that there are problems in our region, for good or bad. And those problems are being caused by strategic errors done by the party. All factors remaining constant, all these people (UDA leaders) will be sent home in my region,” he said.

He added that the UDA has lost favour among voters in Mt Kenya, drawing parallels with the collapse of the former ruling party Jubilee Party in the 2022 General Election, which he attributed to similar political missteps.

Kang’ata announced that he will not seek re-election on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 General Election.

The Murang’a Governor, however, maintained his loyalty to the UDA party for the remainder of his term.

He cited differences in political strategy, citizen engagement and policy priorities as the basis for his decision, though he emphasised that the divergence is not personal.

Kang’ata expressed appreciation for his long-standing working relationship with President William Ruto, noting that their association dates back to 2013 when he first served as Kiharu MP.

“I express my sincere gratitude for the long and meaningful relationship I have had with His Excellency the President. 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.

“I also had the honour of serving as Senate Majority Whip, a role that further deepened our cooperation and mutual respect. These are not small matters, and I acknowledge them with appreciation.”

However, he underscored the need for a shift in leadership approach, calling for politics anchored on persuasion, dialogue and respect, rather than confrontation.

“Leadership must be anchored in persuasion, not pressure; in dialogue, not coercion,” he said, warning that rising political tensions risk undermining democratic values.