Kang'ata's entry gives Linda Mwananchi first elected ally in Mt Kenya

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has emerged as the new political ally of the Linda Mwananchi movement after joining the team during its first rally in the Mt Kenya region at Kivulini Grounds in Makongeni, Thika, Kiambu County, on Sunday.

Kang’ata, who recently exited the ruling UDA party, becomes the only elected leader from the Mt Kenya region to publicly associate himself with the movement, a development leaders described as significant for the opposition camp.

The governor was warmly welcomed by Siaya Governor James Orengo and other leaders during the rally, which attracted hundreds of supporters.

Addressing the rally, Kang’ata said he joined the movement because he believes Kenya’s future depends on unity and policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

“I have come here because I believe Kenya is one. Whether one comes from Nyanza, North Eastern or any other region, we are all Kenyans. Linda Mwananchi has brought people from different regions together,” Kang’ata said.

He called for greater investment in sectors that directly affect citizens’ livelihoods, including manufacturing, healthcare and education.

“We must give priority to companies that support our economy because they create jobs for our people. We also need to prioritise healthcare and education. Our people deserve better schools and better medical services,” he added.

Kang’ata faulted the government for imposing high levies on industries, saying the move had contributed to the decline of Thika’s once-thriving industrial sector and the loss of jobs among youths.

“Factories are leaving Thika and other towns in Mt Kenya because of excessive levies. Thika was once an industrial hub, but many companies have relocated, leaving our young people jobless,” he said.

The governor also criticised the government’s affordable housing programme, questioning whether ordinary Kenyans truly benefit from the projects.

“They say they have built houses, but do you own any of those houses?” Kang’ata posed to the crowd, which responded in unison, “No.”

He proposed that funds collected through the Housing Levy should instead be channelled towards strengthening public education, including making day secondary school education fully free.

“Many counties are struggling to provide quality healthcare because hospitals are not being paid by the Social Health Authority (SHA). More resources should be allocated to improve health services and ensure Kenyans receive the treatment they deserve,” he said.

Kang’ata also hinted at broader opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging the Linda Mwananchi leadership to engage former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“I have told this team led by Sifuna, Babu and Orengo, to look for Wamunyoro. Personally, there is nothing else I want except a better Kenya, a Kenya that creates jobs and opportunities for our people,” he said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo welcomed Kang’ata’s participation, describing it as a major boost to the movement. He said Linda Mwananchi seeks to unite Kenyans around issues affecting ordinary citizens rather than political divisions.

“We need a people’s movement that unites Kenyans from every corner of the country. I am happy that Kang’ata has joined us. When I saw him today, I knew the game had changed. I have worked with him before and I know his leadership qualities. In Kang’ata, we have a true leader for Kenya,” Orengo said.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna lamented the decline of Thika’s industrial sector, arguing that an unfavourable business environment had forced industries to relocate to neighbouring countries, resulting in massive job losses.

“Thika was once known as one of Kenya’s leading industrial towns. Today, many industries are relocating, leaving thousands of workers without jobs. When we assume power, we shall cut unnecessary public spending and return wealth to the people,” Sifuna said.

The senator said a future administration backed by the movement would focus on reducing government expenditure and directing more resources towards economic growth and public welfare. He also called for unity among opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi also hit out at President William Ruto over claims that the opposition was “making noise,” particularly in churches, insisting that they would continue speaking out against policies they believe are harmful to Kenyans.

“We will continue agitating for change whenever we see things going wrong,” Osotsi said.

The Linda Mwananchi team earlier attended a church service at AIPCA Church in Thika town before proceeding to Kivulini Grounds for the public rally.

The rally brought together several opposition leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Senator Dan Maanzo, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, as well as a host of MPs, aspirants and supporters.