“I Know the Government Is Plotting Something Against Me” — Irungu Kang’ata Declares

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has sparked fresh political debate after publicly declaring that he believes powerful forces within government are planning a political move against him, adding that he is fully prepared for whatever comes next.

Speaking during recent public appearances and interviews, Kang’ata said he would not stop “speaking truth to power” despite what he described as growing intimidation against leaders perceived to be drifting away from the government line.

Kang’ata claimed that state agencies have previously been used to target politicians who fall out with those in power, referencing past incidents where governors and senior leaders faced investigations, raids, or political pressure shortly after criticizing the government.

His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment following his recent announcement that he will not seek re election under the ruling United Democratic Alliance ticket in 2027. The decision shocked many because Kang’ata had long been viewed as one of the influential figures within President William Ruto’s Mt Kenya political camp.

The Murang’a governor has increasingly distanced himself from the ruling party, arguing that certain government decisions have fueled anger in the Mt Kenya region and strengthened the opposition instead of weakening it. He specifically pointed to political tensions following changes affecting key Mt Kenya leaders and what he described as a growing “siege mentality” in the region.

Kang’ata also suggested that political disagreements inside government are no longer being handled internally, warning that leaders who raise concerns risk becoming targets.

Despite the tensions, Kang’ata has maintained that he still respects President Ruto personally, describing him as a friend, while insisting that his disagreements are political and policy based rather than personal.

Political analysts now view Kang’ata’s statements as part of a wider shift happening in Mt Kenya politics ahead of the 2027 elections. His growing criticism of the government, combined with his decision to abandon the UDA ticket, has fueled speculation that more leaders from the region could soon distance themselves from the ruling party.

Kang’ata is not new to political fallout with powerful administrations. In 2021, he lost his influential Senate Majority Chief Whip position shortly after a leaked letter criticizing the government’s political strategy created tension within the ruling establishment at the time.

Now, with his latest remarks, the Murang’a governor appears to be preparing supporters for a possible political confrontation ahead.

Whether Kang’ata is genuinely under pressure or strategically positioning himself for the next political phase remains unclear. But one thing is certain: his fallout with sections of government is no longer being hidden behind diplomatic statements.