Kenya Minute.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Irungu Kang'ata

Also known as: Kangata · Governor Irungu Kang'ata · Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata · Governor Kang'ata

Murang'a County Governor who defected from UDA to join the DCP, ranked highly in county performance surveys, and supports the Linda Mwananchi movement.

2026-04-242026-08-18

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    'UDA is repeating Jubilee mistakes', Kang'ata says over Ol Kalou by-election outcome By Brian Kimani July 17, 2026 04:19 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter The Linda Mwananchi movement speaks to the press on J

    'UDA is repeating Jubilee mistakes', Kang'ata says over Ol Kalou by-election outcome
  3. Citizen Digital

    'UDA is repeating Jubilee mistakes', Kang'ata says over Ol Kalou by-election outcome By Brian Kimani July 17, 2026 04:19 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter The Linda Mwananchi movement speaks to the press on J

    'UDA is repeating Jubilee mistakes', Kang'ata says over Ol Kalou by-election outcome
  4. The Standard

    In Nyahururu, another Linda Mwananchi team was ambushed fresh from a service at AIPCA Cathedral, and Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata's driver took a bullet to the chest for his trouble.

    History will judge Ruto harshly if the goons menace is not dealt with decisively
  5. The Standard

    On Sunday, Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata's driver was shot in the chest by a person suspected to be a security officer during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu.

    Kick out police commissioner over rising insecurity
  6. The Standard

    But by midday, chaos had engulfed their activities, with Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata confirming that his driver, Gitari, had been shot during the rally.

    Madness of a nation: Ol Kalou violence exposes Kenya's deepening political tensions
  7. The Standard

    But by midday, chaos had engulfed their activities, with Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata confirming that his driver, Gitari, had been shot during the rally.

    Madness of a nation: Murkomen, Omollo silent as armed goons take over streets
  8. The Standard

    The leaders were responding to remarks by Gachagua urging Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, the Linda Mwananchi movement and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to stay away from Ol Kalou campaigns.

    Ruto allies accuse Gachagua of divisive politics over Ol Kalou remarks
  9. Citizen Digital

    Governor Irungu Kangata’s driver shot during Linda Mwananchi tour By Citizen Reporter July 12, 2026 06:19 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata addresses the residents in Nginda

    Governor Irungu Kangata’s driver shot during Linda Mwananchi tour
  10. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeMurang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has alleged that his driver was shot during a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Nyahururu on Sunday, escalating concerns over rising political violence ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

    Kang'ata alleges driver shot
  11. The Standard

    Analysts argue that the former deputy president probably thinks Kangata is attempting to popularise Sifuna in his Mt Kenya stronghold.

    Why Linda Mwananchi leaders cancelled Ol Kalou tour

Yesterday

  1. Murang'a Governor Kang'ata condemns violence against Linda Mwananchi team

    Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata has condemned violence against the Linda Mwananchi team in Homa Bay on Sunday, accusing the State of outsourcing violence to civilians and giving them immunity, which he likens to rejected practices from the 1990s and the 2007 post-election crisis.

    17 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 6 August

  1. Munya calls Gachagua a bully amid opposition coalition tensions

    PNU leader Peter Munya has escalated a dispute with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing the former Deputy President of bullying and a confrontational style that risks undermining opposition unity efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election. The disagreement centres on the structure and leadership of the opposition coalition, with Munya insisting political leaders must treat each other with respect rather than issue ultimatums.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Murang'a Governor Kang'ata ranked best in Infotrak survey

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata scored 80 per cent in an Infotrak survey examining devolved county performance across sectors, ranking ahead of Trans Nzoia's George Natembeya at 76 per cent and Kiambu's Kimani Wamatangi at 71 per cent.

    4 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Nyandarua Governor Badilisha leaves UDA for Gachagua's DCP

    Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has defected from the ruling UDA to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) led by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, along with the entire Nyandarua County Assembly leadership. Gachagua said the group has committed to defending their seats on DCP tickets and will participate in the party's nomination exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    29 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Nyandarua Governor Badilisha joins DCP party

    Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has officially joined the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), citing the wishes of his constituents to leave the ruling UDA party. He said he will seek re-election on the DCP ticket in 2027.

    29 July 2026 · The Standard

Friday 24 July

  1. Murang'a Governor Kang'ata defects to Gachagua's DCP party

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has left the ruling UDA party to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The move comes one week after Kang'ata initially switched to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi party.

    24 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Murang'a Governor Kang'ata joins DCP after UDA exit

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata announced he will seek re-election in 2027 on the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket, months after leaving the ruling UDA party over what he described as political strategy and policy priorities. The governor said he would defend his seat using the DCP ticket while maintaining ties with the Linda Mwananchi movement and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's team.

    24 July 2026 · The Standard

  3. Veteran Kenyan football coach Juma Abdallah dies at hospital

    Juma Abdallah, a veteran football coach who shaped several Kenyan clubs and generations of players, has died after a prolonged illness involving diabetes, pancreatic disease, and kidney dysfunction. He coached AFC Leopards, Murang'a SEAL, Thika United, KCB FC, Bidco United, Western Stima, Chemelil Sugar and Vihiga Bullets during his decades-long career.

    24 July 2026 · The Standard

Monday 20 July

  1. CS Murkomen pledges crackdown on gangs ahead of 2027 election

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to crack down on political goons and criminal gangs in Western region, directing county security teams to target groups he linked to political violence and local trade crimes, citing incidents in Kakamega County and a fatal clash at a Matungu burial ceremony.

    20 July 2026 · The Standard

  2. Murang'a distributes lime to 37,000 coffee farmers

    More than 37,000 coffee farmers in Murang'a County received free agricultural lime under a county programme to restore soil health and boost yields. The county distributed 495,850 kilograms of lime targeting nearly two million coffee trees, with the governor expecting an additional 3,966,800 kilograms of coffee during the 2026/2027 season.

    20 July 2026 · The Standard

Friday 17 July

  1. Kang'ata compares UDA's Ol Kalou loss to Jubilee's 2022 failures

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata says the UDA's defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election—where DCP's Kamau Ngotho won with 35,440 votes against UDA's Samuel Muchina's 5,450—mirrors Jubilee's mistakes, including the use of violence during elections and mistreatment of senior party leaders.

    17 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kang'ata claims UDA repeats Jubilee errors in Ol Kalou loss

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has drawn comparisons between the Ol Kalou by-election outcome—where Democracy for the Citizens Party's Kamau Ngotho won with 35,440 votes against United Democratic Alliance's Samuel Muchina's 5,450—and the shortcomings that befell Jubilee Party in the 2022 General Election, attributing UDA's loss to violence and mistreatment of leaders similar to Jubilee's past conduct.

    17 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Opinion: Ruto risks history's judgment over gang violence crisis

    An opinion piece argues that President Ruto will face harsh historical judgment if the "goons menace" is not decisively addressed, comparing Kenya's gang problem to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein tale of creation turned destructive.

    14 July 2026 · The Standard

  2. Opinion: Police commissioner should resign over rising insecurity

    A Standard opinion piece argues that Kenya's police commissioner should be removed, citing recent incidents of violence—including the shooting of a governor's driver, attacks on opposition rallies, and alleged police complicity or inaction during demonstrations by armed groups and goons.

    14 July 2026 · The Standard

Monday 13 July

  1. Political violence erupts during Ol Kalou by-election campaign

    Violence broke out in Nyandarua County, Kisumu, and Nyahururu during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election campaign, with Linda Mwananchi movement leaders saying they faced a coordinated government-orchestrated crackdown. The incident, including a shooting of Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata's driver during a rally, reflects deepening political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    13 July 2026 · The Standard

  2. Political violence erupts during Ol Kalou by-election campaign

    Political violence broke out during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election campaign in multiple parts of the country, with Linda Mwananchi movement leaders describing it as a coordinated government-orchestrated crackdown. A driver was shot during rally activities in Nyahururu, and the incidents have raised concerns about potential escalation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    13 July 2026 · The Standard

  3. Ruto allies accuse Gachagua of divisive Ol Kalou campaign remarks

    Allies of President William Ruto have accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of promoting divisive politics after he urged Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, the Linda Mwananchi movement, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to stay away from Ol Kalou campaigns.

    13 July 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 12 July

  1. Governor Kang'ata's driver shot during Linda Mwananchi tour

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata's driver was shot in the chest during a Linda Mwananchi tour in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties on Sunday. The governor said his group was stoned at an AIPCA church and his driver shot by police, with the bullet lodged in the driver's chest, and his car blocked and confiscated by goons in Laikipia.

    12 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Murang'a governor alleges driver shot at political rally

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata alleged that his driver was shot during a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Nyahururu on Sunday, sustaining a gunshot wound to his chest. The extent of the injury and whether the projectile is a live bullet or rubber bullet remain under assessment, as police had not issued an official statement at the time of publication.

    12 July 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 11 July

  1. Linda Mwananchi Movement cancels Ol Kalou rally weekend

    The Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi Movement cancelled plans to hold rallies in Ol Kalou Constituency this weekend, instead convening a meeting in Nyahururu Town on Sunday. Analysts suggest the former deputy president believes Kangata is attempting to popularise Sifuna in his Mt Kenya stronghold.

    11 July 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 4 July

  1. Sifuna says voters, not party, determine his political future

    Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said political positions are bestowed by Kenyans, not party leaders, dismissing speculation about his future in ODM and suggestions that losing party positions would end his political career.

    4 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Friday 3 July

  1. Linda Mwananchi leaders deny opposition vote-splitting ahead 2027 election

    Leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement, including Senator Edwin Sifuna and other opposition figures, dismissed claims they are splitting the opposition vote, saying they are committed to a united challenge against President William Ruto's re-election. During a tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties, they also criticised the government over abductions, arbitrary arrests, and killings of young people.

    3 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kang'ata backs Linda Mwananchi as only movement to unite Kenya

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata says the Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Senators Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo and MP Babu Owino, is the only political faction capable of liberating Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election and uniting the country through institutions that serve all Kenyans.

    3 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 17 June

  1. Murang'a Governor Kang'ata joins Linda Mwananchi movement

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has announced his decision to join the Linda Mwananchi movement, describing it as a platform that unites Kenyans from diverse political backgrounds and aligns with ordinary citizens' wishes rather than personal interests.

    17 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Sunday 14 June

  1. Kang'ata joins Linda Mwananchi rally attacking President Ruto

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata joined the Linda Mwananchi opposition brigade at a rally in Thika, Kiambu County, where leaders attacked President William Ruto's administration and declared his days in office numbered. The rally was briefly interrupted by rowdy youths but continued despite the disruption.

    14 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kang'ata joins Linda Mwananchi, criticises Kenya Kwanza policies

    Muranga Governor Irungu Kang'ata joined the Linda Mwananchi movement at a rally in Thika, criticising the government's affordable housing programme and calling for funds to be redirected to free education. The movement said it will work with the United Opposition to contest the 2027 general election.

    14 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Murang'a Governor Kang'ata defends departure from UDA Party

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata vowed to continue speaking the truth and said he is unafraid of intimidation following his recent exit from the UDA Party, citing police intimidation and malicious damage of properties used against political opponents.

    12 May 2026 · The Standard

Monday 4 May

  1. Ruto pledges 30 classrooms and laboratories for Njiiri Secondary

    President William Ruto has pledged to personally pay for the construction of 30 new classrooms and six laboratories at Njiiri School in Murang'a County to decongest the institution, which currently has 2,100 students. He also directed the Lands Cabinet Secretary to facilitate construction of a 1,000-student dormitory at a cost of Sh100 million and promised the Ministry of Education will allocate Sh70 million for an administration block.

    4 May 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 3 May

  1. Murang'a Governor predicts poor 2027 election prospects for UDA

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has said that President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance party faces a "catastrophic defeat" in the region in the 2027 General Election, citing political shifts and loss of support despite previous efforts to align political strategies with the President.

    3 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Murang'a Governor Kang'ata rejects UDA ticket for 2027

    Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata announced he will not seek re-election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2027, citing instances of confrontation and tension that conflict with his principles, though he has long partnered with UDA leader President William Ruto.

    3 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Irungu Kang'ata — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute