Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has officially joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), marking one of the most significant political defections in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kang’ata’s move comes months after he announced he would not seek re-election on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket and gradually aligned himself with the opposition-linked Linda Mwananchi movement. Although he had initially maintained that he was still weighing his political options, his latest decision confirms his political shift toward Gachagua’s camp.
The Murang’a governor had increasingly appeared alongside opposition leaders at several political rallies across the country, where he criticized President William Ruto’s administration and openly praised the growing influence of DCP in the Mount Kenya region. His participation in Linda Mwananchi rallies had fueled speculation that his formal entry into Gachagua’s party was only a matter of time.
Kang’ata’s defection is expected to strengthen Gachagua’s grip on Mount Kenya politics as DCP intensifies efforts to challenge UDA’s dominance in the region ahead of the next general election. Political analysts view the move as a major boost for Gachagua, who has been positioning DCP as the primary political vehicle for leaders seeking to rally the region behind a new opposition alliance.
The development also deals another blow to President William Ruto’s UDA party, which has witnessed growing political shifts in parts of the Mount Kenya region over recent months as realignments gather momentum.
