Irungu Kang’ata Absent as Ruto Meets Murang’a Leaders at State House
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Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata was absent from a State House meeting as President William Ruto held talks with leaders from Murang’a County.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, was attended by several notable leaders from the region, including Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Jubilee-nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege, Nominated Senator Betty Maina, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, Mathioya MP Dr. Edwin Mugo, and Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro.
The discussions centred on development programmes in Murang’a County, ranging from road construction, building of hospitals, development of market infrastructure and affordable housing, to electricity connectivity and installation of milk coolers, among other projects.
President William Ruto, in a statement shared on social media, said the meeting reviewed the progress of key projects, including the ongoing construction of Mau Mau roads, Mumbi and Gakoigo stadia, Kenneth Matiba Hospital, affordable housing projects, and electricity connectivity.
“Met leaders from Murang’a County at State House, Nairobi, and took stock of our development agenda,” said President Ruto.
Also Read: Governor Escapes Death After Road Accident in Nairobi
Irungu Kang’ata Silence
Since the fallout between President Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua following his impeachment in 2024, several leaders perceived to be allies of Gachagua, including Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, have emerged as vocal critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, Kang’ata has not publicly criticised President Ruto’s administration, opting instead to remain largely silent as many leaders from the Mount Kenya region, led by Rigathi Gachagua, continue to fault the government.
He is also rarely seen campaigning for either political camp. Instead, he often expresses his views through his weekly column in the Sunday Nation newspaper.
Ruto Meets Leaders from Nyeri County
Kang’ata’s perceived neutrality in the political rivalry between President Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua has attracted criticism from the former Deputy President.
Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), recently warned Kang’ata during a public event in Murang’a to stop being a “fence-sitter” in Mount Kenya politics and formally join the party.
He further cautioned that if Kang’ata fails to align with DCP, he would field another candidate, specifically his ally Wairagu wa Maai, to challenge him in the 2027 general election
Also Read: Split in ODM as Section of MPs Oppose Move to Oust PS Raymond Omollo from Ruto’s Govt
.Meeting With Leaders from Kitui
Elsewhere on the same day, President Ruto also met leaders from Kitui County at State House, Nairobi, where they deliberated on priority development projects aimed at unlocking the county’s economic potential.
These included water harvesting and storage plans, such as the completion of Thwake Dam, drilling of boreholes, electricity connectivity, and the construction of roads, affordable housing, and modern markets.
The President further held talks with leaders from Nyeri County, focusing on ambitious infrastructure development.
Key projects discussed included the completion of the Kenol–Karatina–Marua dual carriageway, construction of 8,000 affordable housing units, 20 modern markets, hostels for university and college students, and the upgrade of Ruring’u Stadium.
During the meeting, leaders agreed to fast-track these projects to expand opportunities, strengthen local enterprise, and improve livelihoods for the people of Nyeri.
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Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata. PHOTO/Kang’ata
