Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has officially joined Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), ending months of speculation over his political future after announcing earlier this year that he would not seek re-election on President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Gachagua announced Kang’ata’s entry into the party on Friday, July 24, 2026, following a meeting at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County. Sharing photos of the meeting, the DCP leader warmly welcomed the governor into the party.

“Welcome home, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, where you belong. Today at Wamunyoro Residence, I was pleased to receive my younger brother, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Governor of Murang’a County, as a member of our party, DCP, the party of the moment and the future,” Gachagua stated.

Kang’ata's decision comes months after he announced that he will not seek re-election on the ruling UDA party.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Kang’ata said the decision followed internal efforts to resolve differences within the party, including a direct engagement with President William Ruto that failed to yield a consensus.

Kang’ata revealed that he had held a candid, one-on-one discussion with the Head of State in a bid to align on key issues, but acknowledged that they did not reach an agreement.

The governor maintained that his decision was guided by the will of the people, emphasising that leadership must reflect public sentiment.

"His Excellency the president, has always told us that the people are supreme. Thank you for that statement, and therefore, my responsibility is to adhere to what the people have told me. In light of that, because I have tried my best to have these issues resolved internally, I have had a candid discussion with His Excellency the president one-on-one, where we shared these ideas, but we did not reach what we call ‘full convergence’,” he said.

While confirming his exit from the UDA ticket, Kang’ata said he would, at a later stage, announce the platform under which he will seek re-election.

“I have no doubts to say that after careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket. I will later, at a certain stage, communicate the platform which I will use to present myself to the electorate,” he said.

Despite the announcement, the governor clarified that he will remain a member of UDA for the remainder of his term and continue working with the national government.

“However, until then, I will remain a disciplined and committed member of the UDA party. I will continue to serve diligently in my capacity and to cooperate with the national government in delivering development to our people and remain loyal to the president and also to the party through the remainder of this term,” Kang’ata clarified.

Kang’ata also dismissed speculation about seeking higher office, stating that his political ambitions are limited to defending his gubernatorial seat.

“I do not intend to run to become the president of Kenya neither do I want to become the deputy president in this country. Therefore, my interest and his interest do not conflict. Mine is only to defend my Murang’a seat,” he said.