Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has officially joined the Linda Mwananchi movement, stating that his decision was driven by the desire to unite Kenyans from different political backgrounds in pursuit of a shared national agenda.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV's JKLive on Wednesday night, Kang'ata said his move was informed by the wishes of ordinary Kenyans rather than personal interests. He described Linda Mwananchi as the free market of Kenyan politics, where there are no barriers to entry or exit, and indicated that he would announce his political future at a later date.
The governor emphasised that the country is at a point where leaders must take positions that reflect what the people want. He identified three key policy areas that should be prioritised for the nation to progress: manufacturing, increased funding for education, and healthcare, adding that Linda Mwananchi would provide the platform to champion these causes.
Kang'ata also addressed his recent appearance alongside movement leaders in Thika, saying it was meant to demonstrate unity across political and regional divides. He noted that he wanted the Linda leaders to know that people from his region truly appreciate what they are fighting for.
He clarified that Linda Mwananchi is not a political party but a movement, bringing together leaders from Wiper, Jubilee, and other parties, and that anyone is welcome to join as long as they subscribe to its ideals. Regarding Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kang'ata explained that the ODM Secretary-General is not formally in Linda Mwananchi since he is championing the ODM cause, but remains committed to collaborating with other like-minded politicians on broader national issues.
The announcement comes weeks after Kang'ata publicly stated on May 3, 2026, that he would not defend his gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket in the next General Election. He cited growing political tensions and disagreements over leadership approaches and policy priorities, but maintained that he remains loyal to both the party and President Ruto, and will continue serving diligently in his current capacity while cooperating with the national government in delivering development to the people.
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