Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata has publicly dismissed the idea of serving as deputy president to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua should the opposition settle on Gachagua as their flag bearer against President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Governor Irungu Kang’ata says he cannot serve as deputy president in the DCP Party. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JK Live on Wednesday, November 4, Kang’ata was asked directly whether he would accept a nomination as running mate. His response was firm, though measured. “I don’t want to become a DP for several reasons. One, I believe strongly that the issue is not about positions. It is about the platform. What do you want to do for the country?” he said. Kang’ata’s focus on Murang’a re-election The governor said his immediate priority is seeking a fresh term in Murang’a county, adding that there is still considerable work to be done on the ground. He acknowledged he is not prepared to take on rivals CS Alice Wahome and woman representative Betty Maina in a political contest framed around personalities. “Mine is not a competition; it is a mission. Whoever comes, I treat that person with a lot of respect. If they have a better manifesto, why not?” Kang’ata said. He added that while he holds clear ideas on how Kenya should move forward, his intention is to share those ideas with key opposition figures, including Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Linda Mwananchi Movement Edwin Sifuna, rather than pursue a position in their structures. “Let me just concentrate on what I’m doing in Murang’a. There’s a lot of work that remains undone,” he added.
What happens if he loses in 2027 Kang’ata also addressed the possibility of an electoral defeat with unusual candour, saying he would accept the outcome and return home without bitterness. “If I lose in 2027, I’ll go home. I am a family man; I have five children to care for. Serving the people is important, but I also believe serving my small family is a moral duty,” he said. Kang’ata has been recognised among Kenya’s top-performing governors, with Murang’a County drawing attention for innovations in its health delivery model, including a reported clash with the national government over the Afya KE system. The remarks come at a politically charged moment, with opposition groupings pressing for a unified presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 polls. Gachagua, who was impeached as deputy president in October 2024, has publicly expressed interest in the presidency and is engaged in coalition talks with opposition leaders. He has not indicated who he would want as a running mate should the opposition settle on his candidacy.
