Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has defended his decision not to seek re-election on a UDA ticket, saying the ruling party had adopted intimidation tactics similar to those that led to the downfall of the Jubilee Party.

Speaking during the graduation of the 8^th cohort of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) in Murang’a town, Kang’ata said his decision was informed by what he described as increasing political intolerance and the use of force against leaders perceived to be critical of the government.

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“So last week I stated my position, which is simple: I will not defend my gubernatorial seat using the UDA party ticket,” said the governor.

Kang’ata maintained that his stand was not personal but was based on his observations of the country’s political direction and the conduct of some leaders allied to the ruling party.

“The reason I said that is because sometimes I fail to understand the strategy that our party is using to convince people. I have seen the party using methods similar to those used by the Jubilee Party in 2022 — methods involving force and frustrating those on the opposing side,” he said.

The governor also called on leaders to avoid using development forums for political attacks, saying politics should not be driven by insults and hostility.

“You know we have entered the political season, and during politics, sometimes people turn occasions like these into political exchanges. Politics is not hatred; you seek votes humbly,” he said.

His remarks come days after a section of leaders allied to President William Ruto publicly criticised him over his announcement that he would not defend his seat under UDA.

The leaders, led by Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, accused Kang’ata of disrespecting the President by making the declaration during Ruto’s recent development tour of Murang’a County.

Speaking in the Maragua constituency on Friday, MP Mary Waithera, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, nominated Senator Veronica Maina and nominated MP Sabina Chege faulted the governor for bringing succession politics into what they said was a development tour by the President.

The leaders claimed Kang’ata had already distanced himself from the ruling party long before his public statement and criticised his leadership, claiming he had failed to streamline the health sector and control the opening of bars, among others.

The leaders also accused the governor of using county functions to advance early campaigns and allowing MCAs allied to him to attack other elected leaders during public gatherings.

Kang’ata appeared to respond to the criticism indirectly, saying he had initially wanted his county to remain free from politics but was forced to state his political position after continued attacks and changing political circumstances.

“Our plan as a county was that we should not discuss politics. That’s what we wanted. We wanted things to remain non-political and let the people of Murang’a decide based on our mandate,” he said.

The governor further cited incidents involving opposition leaders and allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as examples of shrinking political tolerance in the country.

“When I see people like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo attending meetings and tear gas being thrown at them; when I see former Deputy President Gachagua being attacked and we all saw what happened at ACK Othaya Church and no one has been arrested — I concluded that I cannot follow a party that uses force to show citizens the way,” he said.

Kang’ata also linked the ongoing political tensions to what he termed asselective use of state power against leaders viewed as politically inconvenient.

He cited recent troubles facing Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, claiming some of the actions taken against him were politically motivated.

The governor invoked the legacy of pro-democracy leaders from the Mt Kenya region, among them Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, saying leaders must remain courageous and truthful even under political pressure.

“Likewise, we as the new generation of leaders will stand for the truth, even if we are persecuted by the government. That is fine. But let us stand for the truth,” he said.