Why Kang’ata exit from UDA signals possible Mt Kenya Exodus

The move by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang'ata to decamp from the ruling UDA party is being seen as a potential trigger for a wider political shift in Mt Kenya.

In what could spark an exodus from UDA, Kang’ata this week told residents that while he is yet to decide the party he will use to defend his seat, he is certain about the path he will not take— alluding to UDA.

Kang’ata ranks among the region’s most popular politicians, with an Infotrak poll in February 2025 placing him as the best-performing governor.

Until his announcement, he had been among the fence-sitters in the politically restive region, while also remaining close to President William Ruto.

At the height of the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, Kang’ata was even mentioned as a potential candidate for Ruto’s deputy.

His public declaration coming on the same day President Ruto visited Murang’a has been interpreted in political circles as a signal of a broader exit of Mt Kenya leaders from UDA.

Kang’ata’s move comes amid growing unease among leaders in the region over their political positioning, particularly following the emergence of Gachagua’s DCP party.

His departure could embolden other fence-sitting leaders who have been quietly weighing their options to finally decamp in a bid to secure their political future.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi is among those expected to exit UDA after months of strained relations with the national government.

“I am not going round looking for a party but I will remain here in Kiambu. It is you (the residents) who will tell me the party we are going to join. Whichever you agree on, that is the one we will use. The only thing I will show you is the work I have done,” Wamatangi said on Thursday in Kiambu Township.

Kandara MP Chege Njuguna on Wednesday also ditched UDA for Gachagua’s DCP.

The MP said he has been pressured by his constituents to leave UDA.

Former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici, who is seeking the governorship, has also decamped, leading to her dismissal from her parastatal job.

Mt Kenya was instrumental in delivering votes for Ruto in the 2022 election, forming the backbone of UDA’s national coalition.

However, the impeachment of Gachagua and his sustained anti-government campaigns have eroded the President’s support in the region.

While Gachagua has managed to rally a section of leaders to his side, he has struggled to significantly expand that base among elected officials, many of whom have remained aligned with Ruto.

Some of his allies, including Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, Juja MP George Koimburi and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, have since drifted back toward the President.

Kang’ata’s exit now provides the first high-profile indication that dissatisfaction may be translating into actual defection.

The development also feeds into a broader narrative of political reconfiguration in the region, with alliances increasingly fluid ahead of the 2027 elections.

Several Mt Kenya politicians have in recent months adopted a cautious stance, avoiding outright defence of UDA while also steering clear of openly aligning with Gachagua.

Others have maintained working relations with the national government, largely to secure development for their constituencies. 

Many leaders are balancing two competing pressures: maintaining access to national resources and political goodwill, while responding to shifting voter sentiment back home. With Kang’ata now openly charting his path, many will see an outlet to follow.

Kang’ata himself said his decision had been building over time, though he was pushed to declare his position due to persistent pressure from UDA-aligned politicians.

“The disagreements I had with the Head of State centered on two key issues. The first concerned political strategy—how to engage the Mt Kenya region and ensure UDA retains its support—where my position differed from that of my superior. The second related to policy priorities,” he said.

He added that he is convinced UDA’s prospects in Mt Kenya are dim.

Kang’ata also hinted that his decision may have been influenced by developments affecting his allies, including the removal of his protégé and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as chair of the National Assembly Budget Committee.

“One of the reasons I feel UDA party strategies need to be improved is when they removed Ndindi Nyoro as the chair of the budget committee. There are some actions that have been taken in my region which are creating a siege mentality,” he said.

The shift also intersects with the evolving role of Gachagua, who has been repositioning himself as the Mt Kenya kingpin following his fallout with the President.

Speaking in Kandara, Murang’a County, Gachagua claimed Kang’ata’s move reflected the political mood on the ground.

“Kang’ata has declined to tag along Ruto. Had he sought re-election on a UDA ticket, would you have voted for him? Regardless of the work you have done, if you walk around with Ruto, we don’t want anything to do with you,” he said.

Gachagua had earlier indicated he would support Kang’ata’s re-election on condition that he joins DCP, even asking his preferred candidate Irungu wa Maai to step down.

On his part, Kang’ata, while maintaining he is yet to decide his next political vehicle, acknowledged that Gachagua has grown politically, largely due to how he has been treated by the government.

Kang’ata’s exit could therefore strengthen emerging alternative power centres in the region, potentially consolidating opposition to UDA’s dominance.

If more leaders follow suit, the perception of weakening cohesion within UDA could undermine the party’s grip on what has been one of its most critical support bases.