Brace for a fierce battle next year, Ruto allies tell Kang’ata

Murang’a leaders allied to President William Ruto have criticised Governor Irungu Kang’ata for declaring he will not seek re-election under UDA in next year’s general election.

They accused Kang’ata of disrespecting the President by making the announcement shortly after Ruto’s development tour of the county, saying the move was politically calculated and intended to undermine the head of state’s visit.

Led by Lands CS Alice Wahome, the leaders claimed Kang’ata had distanced himself from the ruling party long before his public statement, with some interpreting the announcement as a sign he could be preparing to align himself with the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Kang’ata, you came in January 2022 when we had already established the party and asked us to support you, and we had no issue with you. Why did you have to leave when the President was around?” posed Wahome.

President Ruto toured Murang’a on April 25 and 26, where he launched and inspected several development projects across the county.

Kang’ata partially attended the tour, saying a leg injury prevented him from accompanying the President throughout the visit.

However, barely a week later, when the President attended a church service and visited Njiiri’s Boys' High School on May 3, Kang’ata released a statement indicating he would seek an alternative political vehicle in 2027.

In the statement, Kang’ata cited differences in political strategy, citizen engagement, and policy priorities, but maintained the decision was not personal and thanked Ruto for the political journey they had shared since 2013, when he first became 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,” Kang’ata said.

The governor said he now believes in politics anchored on dialogue, persuasion and respect instead of confrontation.

But Wahome and other leaders dismissed the explanation, insisting Kang’ata should instead focus on service delivery in the county rather than political realignments.

“Tell us about the mangoes that went to waste earlier in the year. Streamline hospitals that are in a poor state. Kandara Level 4 Hospital has been denied level 4 status because of lack of wards,” said Wahome.

She further declared that Murang’a would produce a new governor in 2027, adding that leaders seeking office should sell development agendas instead of engaging in anti-government politics.

“This team will produce the next governor. Let the opposition tell us the projects they intend to do. ‘Ruto Must Go’ cannot be their project,” she said.

Maragua MP Mary Waithera accused Kang’ata of failing families through increased licensing of bars in villages, saying alcoholism had become rampant among young people and parents.

“Kang’ata, why do you forget that women in the grassroots are struggling to raise children because of drunkenness? Why license bars in villages?” she asked.

Waithera also revived the long-standing Murang’a North versus Murang’a South succession debate, arguing that the more populous southern region of the county now has the numbers to produce the next governor.

The Murang’a North region, comprising Kiharu, Kangema, and Mathioya constituencies, has produced both Kang’ata and former Governor Mwangi wa Iria, while the southern region, made up of Gatanga, Kandara, Kigumo and Maragua constituencies, has 22 wards compared to the north’s 13.

“This time, we will support a woman to clean up this county and safeguard the family setup,” Waithera said.

She also defended the President’s development record in the county, citing ongoing projects including Gakoigo Stadium, roads, and the Makuyu Affordable Housing project.

Nominated Senator Veronica Maina urged Kang’ata to tone down his attacks and focus on addressing challenges facing residents, especially in the health sector.

“We will support a woman so our hospitals no longer lack drugs. As you leave, don’t bang the door, you may need to use it again. Listen to the people more,” she said.

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina accused the governor of political hypocrisy, claiming leaders allied to UDA had long known he was no longer fully committed to the party.

“Kang’ata, stop your hypocrisy, we knew you were not on our side. A woman would lead the county better,” she said.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege called on leaders to focus on development instead of politics, saying residents were more concerned about poor services in hospitals and stalled projects.

She claimed Kang’ata had attempted to water down the President’s recent tour by revisiting some of the areas Ruto had toured.

“Let us work and allow our record to speak for itself. Many leaders are jumping onto the ‘Wantam’ slogan because they have nothing to show for the positions they currently hold,” Chege  said.