Irungu Kang’ata Explains Why He Joined Linda Mwananchi Instead of Gachagua’s Camp

Murang’a Governor Kang’ata has broken his silence on his decision to join the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Kang’ata described it as a unifying platform that brings together Kenyans from different political backgrounds to pursue a shared national agenda.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive on Wednesday night, accompanied by former LSK President Faith Odhiambo, Kang’ata said he aligned his move with public expectations rather than personal ambition.

“I have officially crossed over to Linda Mwananchi. I am a Linda person. I view Linda like the free market of Kenyan politics, where there are no barriers to entry and exit. I will discuss where I will vie later,” Kang’ata stated.

He stressed that leaders must reflect citizens’ wishes in the current political season.

“We have a season of transfer when people have to take a position that reflects the people’s wishes. It has nothing to do with me; it has everything to do with Kenyans,” he stated.

He added that Linda brings together Kenyans across political divides.

“When I look at the various political formations, personally, I believe that Linda is one entity that brings all Kenyans together. Secondly and most importantly, it is about the policies. I strongly believe that for this country to go forward, we need to put three policies ahead: manufacturing, more money for education and healthcare,” he added.

Also Read: Irungu Kang’ata Sets Conditions to Join Gachagua After Dumping UDA

Kang’ata Calls for National Unity Beyond Regional Politics

Kang’ata also addressed his appearance in Thika alongside leaders linked to the movement.

He said the event demonstrated unity across political and regional lines and added that his decision aimed to strengthen national unity.

“For me, from my seat, if by joining Linda I would have sent a signal that we can come together, that may be a very positive thing for us to do,” he said.

“We must think beyond our regions. We must think of ourselves as Kenyans. When Parliament passes huge taxes, they are not written Mt. Kenya or Nyanza; they affect all Kenyans equally. When we have unemployment, it is not written Murang’a; it is written Kenyan,” he said.

When we talk about failure to fund education adequately, it affects every Kenyan child. Once we evolve as a society where we look at politics through issues as opposed to region or tribe, we will be much ahead,” he further added.

Linda Mwananchi Described as a Cross-Party Movement

He further described Linda Mwananchi as a movement that brings together leaders from different political parties.

“Linda is not a party, it is a movement. We have people from Wiper, Jubilee, and different political parties. It is more of a pressure group. Therefore, anyone is welcome to join as long as you subscribe to the ideals of that movement,” he said.

Also Read: Faith Odhiambo Joins Sifuna and Babu Owino in Linda Mwananchi Movement

Clarification on Edwin Sifuna’s Role

Kang’ata also clarified the role of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, noting that Sifuna remains committed to ODM but continues engaging in broader national discussions.

“Sifuna is not in Linda per se because he is championing the ODM cause, he is there to join other like-minded politicians to push for a Kenyan agenda,” Kang’ata said.

Kang’ata also announced that he will not defend his gubernatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the next General Election.

However, he affirmed that he will remain loyal to both the party and President William Ruto for the remainder of his term.

He said rising political tensions influenced his decision and also pointed to differences in leadership approaches and policy priorities.

The governor’s remarks signal a political realignment ahead of the next election cycle.

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Murang’a County Governor, Irungu Kang’ata speaking during a past event. PHOTO/ Kang’ata X.