Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has opened up about why he chose to join the Linda Mwananchi movement, describing it as a platform that brings together Kenyans from different political backgrounds around a common national cause.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive on Wednesday night, Kang’ata said the move was less about him and more about responding to what ordinary Kenyans want.
“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,” he said.
He went further to explain the reasoning behind the timing of his decision, framing it as a response to the current political mood in the country.
“We are in that season where 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. Personally, I am convinced that Linda is one entity that brings all Kenyans together. For this country to go forward, we need to put three policies ahead: manufacturing, more money for education, and healthcare. I believe Linda will grant us that opportunity to champion for those causes,” he said.
Kang’ata also addressed his recent public appearance alongside Linda-affiliated leaders in Thika, explaining that the choice of venue was deliberate.
“We need to unite as Kenyans, and there was no better opportunity for us to show that unity than Thika because I come from that region. I wanted the Linda leaders to know that whatever they are fighting for, people do appreciate it from where I come from,” he said.
On the nature of the movement itself, Kang’ata was keen to clarify that Linda Mwananchi is not a political party but a loose coalition that allows leaders from different political backgrounds to collaborate on shared national concerns.
“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.
He also addressed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s role in the movement, saying his participation does not conflict with or take away from his responsibilities within ODM.
“Sifuna is not in Linda per say because he is championing the ODM cause, he is there to join other like-minded politicians to push for a Kenyan agenda,” he said.
Kang’ata’s announcement comes weeks after he publicly revealed he would not be defending his gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket in the 2027 General Election.
He had attributed that earlier decision to growing political tensions and disagreements over leadership direction and policy priorities.
“I wish to state that when the appropriate time comes, I will not seek to defend my seat on the party’s ticket. I will, at a later stage, communicate the platform through which I will present myself to the electorate,” Kang’ata said on May 3, 2026, following a meeting with President Ruto in Kandara constituency, Murang’a County.
“I will continue to serve diligently in my current capacity and to cooperate with the national government in delivering development to our people,” he said, maintaining that he remains loyal to both the party and President William Ruto for the remainder of his current term.
