Kang’ata joins Linda Mwananchi rally in Thika as opposition turns heat on Ruto
Kang'ata's appearance at the rally comes barely a month after he announced that he would not seek re-election as governor on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, citing differences in political strategy, citizen engagement and policy priorities.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata today joined the Linda Mwananchi movement during a high-energy political rally in Thika, Kiambu County, marking a significant development in the country’s evolving political landscape.
Kang’ata’s appearance at the rally comes barely a month after he announced that he would not seek re-election as governor on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, citing differences in political strategy, citizen engagement and policy priorities.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Kivulini Grounds, the governor called for national unity and urged Kenyans to rally behind a common agenda, saying the Linda Mwananchi movement was open to all regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation.
“Mimi naamini Kenya ni kitu moja. Uwe Mkisii, uwe Mjaluo, sisi ni kitu moja. Linda Mwananchi iko na kila mtu,” he said.
Kang’ata accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of presiding over the collapse of industries in the Mt Kenya region and questioned the government’s spending priorities, particularly the housing programme funded through the housing levy.
“Mimi nimeangalia sera za kupeleka Kenya mbele kupitia kwa factories. Hii serikali imemaliza factories Mlima Kenya,” he said, adding that funds collected through the housing levy would be better spent on education.
He also called for the return of healthcare funds to county governments, arguing that devolution remains the most effective way of delivering quality healthcare services.
“Tunataka serikali irudishe pesa ya healthcare kwa County,” he said.
The governor further revealed that he had encouraged opposition leaders to engage Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as part of broader coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Nimeambia Sifuna, Babu na Orengo watafute Wamunyoro. I only want a better Kenya. Our people need better medical attention and better education,” Kang’ata said.
The rally, which briefly experienced disruption after a group of rowdy youths attempted to force their way to the podium, proceeded without major incident after leaders appealed for calm.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino condemned the disruption and assured supporters that the opposition’s meeting would continue uninterrupted.
“Hii mkutano hamtaharibu. Tumekuwa na mikutano ya amani Kenya yote na hamtaharibu huu mkutano,” he said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi dismissed claims that the opposition would be unable to campaign in the Mt Kenya region, insisting that the Linda Mwananchi movement would take its message across the country, including President William Ruto’s political strongholds.
Siaya Governor James Orengo launched a scathing attack on President Ruto, claiming the Head of State had lost support nationwide. He described Kang’ata’s attendance as evidence of shifting political tides.
“When I saw Kang’ata today, I said Kasongo is done. Kasongo is going home,” Orengo declared.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna echoed similar sentiments, challenging critics who had doubted the opposition’s ability to hold a rally in Thika and questioning the President’s support base.
“Tunataka kuuliza, kura ya Ruto iko wapi na Wakenya wote wamekukataa?” Sifuna posed.
He also said that reducing the State House budget would be among the opposition’s first actions should it form the next government.
The event also attracted former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, whose recent association with the Linda Mwananchi movement has generated considerable interest within political circles.
Odhiambo had earlier mobilised supporters through her social media platforms and attended the rally alongside several opposition leaders and reform advocates.
Other leaders present included Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, Babu Owino, Godfrey Osotsi and Caroli Omondi.
Participants began the day with a church service at AIPCA Thika Cathedral before proceeding to Kivulini Grounds for the main rally, which attracted thousands of supporters and underscored the opposition’s efforts to build momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
