Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has dismissed speculation that he is eyeing the Deputy President position as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday, November 4, Kang’ata said his political focus was on ideas and policies rather than pursuing public office.
The governor explained that he had proposals on how Kenya could move forward and hoped to share them with Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“I do not want to become a DP for several reasons. I believe strongly that the issue is not about positions; it is about the platform. What do you want to do for the country?” Kang’ata said.
He added that he intended to present his ideas to the leaders, whom he described as people he could potentially work with politically.
Kang’ata also said he would prioritise his responsibilities as Murang’a Governor, arguing that much remained to be done in the county.
“Beyond that, I really feel it is not about positions. Let me just concentrate on what I am doing in Murang’a. There is a lot of work that remains undone,” he added.
During the interview, the governor also defended Gachagua against accusations that he was a political bully.
Kang’ata recalled an incident in Ol Kalou in which Gachagua had advised him against visiting the constituency. He said he ignored the warning, only to encounter violence that left him injured.
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“He is not a political bully. In fact, I should be thanking Gachagua; he saved my life in Ol Kalou. He told me not to go, but I went. I almost died. That is the time I got an injury. We were beaten up. He is a truthful man. I should have taken his warning quite seriously,” Kang’ata stated.
The Murang’a governor further came to Gachagua’s defence following criticism from Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
He argued that Gachagua deserved credit for supporting a candidate in the Mbeere North political contest and suggested Muturi should reflect on his recent electoral defeats.
“When Muturi calls my boss a bully, he is wrong. He should be thanking Gachagua for sacrificing to bring a candidate in Mbeere North. If I were Muturi, the three losses in quick succession would have led me to introspection,” Kang’ata said.