Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has officially joined Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), marking a major political shift in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His move comes about two months after he announced that he would not seek re-election as governor on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Kang’ata’s entry into DCP follows months of political engagement with Gachagua after publicly expressing dissatisfaction with UDA over what he described as strategic disagreements within the ruling party.
Earlier this month, he also aligned himself with the Linda Mwananchi faction, fueling speculation that he was preparing to join a new political outfit.
Confirming the development on Friday, July 24, Gachagua welcomed the Murang’a governor into the party, saying, “Welcome home, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, where you belong.”
In another statement issued after receiving Kang’ata at his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua described the governor’s decision as an important milestone for DCP.
“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 said.
The former Deputy President noted that Kang’ata’s move strengthens DCP’s growing political presence.
According to him, the party now has one governor, one Member of Parliament in Sammy Douglas Kamau and three Members of County Assemblies.DCP has continued to project confidence following its victory in the Ol Kalou by-election held on July 16.
The party believes it can win more elective seats across the country before the next General Election. Gachagua has repeatedly stated that DCP is working towards becoming the majority party in both the National Assembly and the Senate, while also seeking to secure the largest number of seats in county assemblies.
Kang’ata’s latest move also reflects his long history of changing political parties in line with the dominant political formations in the Mt Kenya region.
He was first elected as Kiharu Member of Parliament in 2013 under The National Alliance (TNA), which later became part of the Jubilee coalition.
In 2017, he successfully contested the Murang’a Senate seat under the Jubilee Party.
Despite Kang’ata’s departure, UDA continues to hold significant influence in county leadership within the wider Mt Kenya region. The party still controls eight governor positions when Nakuru County is included in the region.
Kang’ata was received into DCP at Wamunyoro in the presence of several party leaders, including designated Secretary-General Senator John Methu, National Organising Secretary Senator Mithika Linturi, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa and other leaders allied to the party.
