Kang’ata hints at dumping Ruto for Gachagua

By Newsflash Writer

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has hinted at dumping President William Ruto for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over Ruto’s “failed” policies.

Speaking on Saturday, January 3, at Kigumo, Murang’a, during the burial of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s mother, Kang’ata appeared to signal growing dissatisfaction with Ruto’s leadership.

The governor has maintained a fence-sitting political position since Gachagua was impeached in October 2024. He was elected on Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

Newsflash had exclusively reported on the silent cold war simmering between Kang’ata and Gachagua, largely over the governor’s perceived fence-sitting stance and his alleged willingness to accept Ruto’s promise of the Deputy President position if he mobilized Murang’a MPs to impeach Gachagua.

At the funeral, Kang’ata surprised mourners when he openly faulted Ruto’s policies, particularly the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“We listen to you”

Addressing Gachagua’s supporters, he said: “You speak good things, which we usually listen to. For instance, the complaints about the Social Health Authority (SHA) are true. SHA has a problem. That’s the truth.”

He elaborated on Murang’a County’s challenges with the SHA, noting that the county had been paying for healthcare services rendered to residents, but the authority had failed to reimburse Sh250 million. “When we give out a health service [through Kang’ata Care], SHA ought to refund the monies, as it refunds to other hospitals. For now, SHA has our debt of Sh250 million. That’s the money we are supposed to use to buy you medicine,” he said, highlighting what he described as a policy failure under Ruto.

“You are my bosses”

Kang’ata also addressed questions about his political loyalties, stressing that his allegiance is first to the people. “You have been speaking on behalf of the majority. I know most people have been asking on which side Kang’ata is. Firstly, who has employed who? You are my employers,” he said, prompting the crowd to respond in unison, “The employer!”

The governor continued: “Secondly, who gives instructions to the other; the employer or the employee? You are the ones to direct me which direction to follow. You are my bosses. My vote is only one. The masses’ decision is the voice of God; and the masses never err in their decision making.”

Political observers interpret Kang’ata’s remarks as a subtle but significant signal that he may pivot from Ruto toward Gachagua.

By questioning key government policies while emphasizing the people’s voice, the governor appears to be recalibrating his political alignment, potentially reshaping alliances in Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.