Why Kang’ata is at ‘war’ with Gachagua

By Newsflash Writer

A quiet but deep-rooted political war is simmering between Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with insiders now linking it directly to Gachagua’s dramatic impeachment that reshaped Mt Kenya’s political power matrix.

Fresh revelations following confessions by close allies of President William Ruto have shed light on why the relationship between the two leaders collapsed into mistrust and silent hostility.

At the centre of the fallout is the recent revelation that Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was offered the Deputy President’s position if he persuaded Murang’a MPs to vote for Gachagua’s ouster.

The revelation came to light on Tuesday night when Nyoro was interviewed by Inooro TV on the impeachment and why he fell out with Ruto.

The DP bait and secret lobbying

After Nyoro rejected the offer, Newsflash has established that President Ruto quietly reached out to several Mt Kenya governors, urging them to influence their MPs to support Gachagua’s impeachment. In return, the governors were promised the coveted Deputy President’s slot once the motion sailed through.

Among those approached directly were Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and Murang’a’s Kang’ata. Each was reportedly instructed to keep the arrangement secret, even as political manoeuvres intensified behind the scenes.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata (left) with the late Raila Odinga. Photo/Citizen Digital

The claims were later reinforced by Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who said the confessions had validated long-held suspicions within Mt Kenya politics.

“Hon. Ndindi Nyoro’s confession that he was promised the DP position to impeach Riggy G confirms what many of us have known all along,” Karungo said. “A few others from Mt Kenya were also promised the same role. Some even began acting like deputy presidents and were even provided with extra security. Others started campaigning early, meeting elected leaders in groups. For example, Governor Kang’ata of Murang’a, also promised, met MPs led by Hon. Osoro to start lobbying.”

Karungo added that many leaders wanted Gachagua out because they believed the promise came directly from President Ruto, whom he sarcastically referred to as “the cunning Kasongo.”

Kang’ata falls for the ‘trap’

Sources say Kang’ata took the offer seriously and threw himself into the lobbying effort. Days before the impeachment vote, he reportedly met several Murang’a MCAs, briefing them about the deal and urging them to support the motion. He also held meetings with Murang’a MPs, pressing them to rally behind Gachagua’s removal.

Beyond the county, Kang’ata reached out to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and several UDA MPs, who insiders claim backed him as a suitable replacement should the impeachment succeed.

The governor, according to insiders, believed he had secured sufficient political goodwill to ascend to the Deputy President’s office.

However, the plan collapsed spectacularly on voting day. Six Murang’a legislators—Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Chege Njuguna (Kandara), Peter Kihungi (Kangema) and Senator Joe Nyutu—voted against Gachagua’s impeachment. Ndindi Nyoro did not vote.

The rebellion shocked Kang’ata and significantly weakened his chances. According to insiders, it was at that point that President Ruto quietly dropped Kang’ata and instead settled on then Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua’s replacement.

“That is where Ruto abandoned Kang’ata,” said a source close to the negotiations. “And that is where Kang’ata’s beef with Gachagua truly began.”

Political isolation and revenge plots

Since the impeachment, Kang’ata has adopted a fence-sitting posture, avoiding clear alignment with either President Ruto’s UDA or Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizen’s Party (DCP). His political loyalty remains unclear, even as tensions with Gachagua deepen.

Insiders told Newsflash that Kang’ata now finds himself politically stranded.

He cannot seek re-election on Gachagua’s DCP ticket due to unresolved resentment over what the former DP views as betrayal. At the same time, trust between Kang’ata and President Ruto has been badly damaged.

“He cannot contest on Gachagua’s DCP, neither can he vie on Ruto’s UDA. He’s politically cornered,” said a Murang’a County CEC member who requested anonymity.

As a form of political revenge, insiders say DCP is planning to support former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau to challenge Kang’ata in the 2027 gubernatorial race. Despite his silence, Gachagua is said to harbour deep bitterness toward Kang’ata, whom he views as “politically greedy” and eager to inherit his position.

Interestingly, sources say Ndindi Nyoro—despite rejecting the DP offer—remains on good terms with Gachagua, unlike Kang’ata, whom the DCP leader is yet to forgive.

With his options narrowing, Kang’ata’s allies say he is now considering forming his own political party and banking on his development track record to secure a second term.

Political analyst George Njuguna says the road ahead is treacherous but not fatal

“Politically, 2027 appears a very complicated year for Kang’ata. However, this is a seasoned politician who has never lost an election. The ground may be slippery, but he can’t be wished away due to his development record across the county,” Njuguna said.