The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has defended his decision to associate with the Linda Mwananchi movement, saying Kenya must shift away from ethnic and regional politics and instead focus on issues that affect all citizens.
Kang’ata dismissed claims that his public appearance alongside opposition-aligned leaders amounted to a betrayal of the Mount Kenya region, insisting that the movement provides a platform for national unity and shared concerns.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
He likened Linda Mwananchi to an open political space, saying it allows free participation without restrictions.
“I view Linda like the free market of Kenyan politics, where there are no barriers of entry and exit. Come in, get out, as you wish,” he said.
The governor stressed that his involvement was meant to encourage leaders to think beyond regional interests and work collectively on national challenges.
He argued that Kenya’s political debate should be anchored on issues rather than ethnicity or geography, noting that policies such as taxation, education funding, and unemployment affect all Kenyans equally.
“When Parliament passes huge taxes, they are not written on Mount Kenya or Nyanza. They affect all Kenyans equally,” he said. “When we have unemployment, it is not written Murang’a, it is written Kenyan.”
He further emphasized that inadequate education funding impacts every child in the country, adding that political maturity would be achieved when leaders prioritize issues over regional identity.
Kang’ata also welcomed calls by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for cooperation with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying unity among leaders is essential for national progress.
He said his attendance at a recent Thika rally was also intended to show that the Mount Kenya region is receptive to the agenda being promoted by Linda Mwananchi leaders.
“I wanted the Linda leaders to know that whatever they are fighting for, people do appreciate it from where I come from,” he said.
However, the governor remained non-committal about his future political direction, declining to confirm whether he would join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) linked to Gachagua.
“I will discuss where I will vie later, not now,” he said.
Kang’ata’s appearance at the Thika rally signals a notable political shift, coming after years of alignment with President William Ruto and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The rally followed his earlier announcement that he would not seek re-election on a UDA ticket, citing differences over political strategy, citizen engagement, and policy direction. He, however, maintained that his decision was not personal and expressed gratitude for his long-standing political relationship with President Ruto dating back to 2013.
