Why Governor Irungu Kang’ata Declined Raila Odinga’s Running Mate Proposal
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has revealed that ahead of Kenya’s 2022 General Election, he was approached by senior officials from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to be Raila Odinga’s running mate. The proposal, which could have placed Kang’ata as the Deputy President candidate alongside Odinga, was ultimately turned down by the governor.
Appearing on Inooro TV, Kang’ata shared insights on his political journey, including moments when he had to weigh challenging decisions. “I was approached by senior ODM officials to take the deputy president position, but I refused,” Kang’ata explained. While he did not provide extensive details, he expressed appreciation for the offer, citing “personal reasons” for his refusal. “I wouldn’t want to dig deep into it because it’s a personal matter, but I gave thanks for the consideration.”
Governor Kang’ata also recounted advice he received from allies, including a Member of County Assembly (MCA) from Murang’a, who cautioned him against accepting the role. “Some warned me not to take the seat, and I had many reasons. I told them I would think about it, but I have always been on the opposite side of Raila,” he shared, noting his historical opposition to Odinga’s policies.
Before the 2022 General Election, Kang’ata gained considerable attention as the Senate Majority Whip by vocally opposing the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), writing a bold letter to then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. In the letter, he warned that BBI was unpopular in Mt Kenya, a message he insisted was shared out of loyalty and transparency.
On the recent impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Kang’ata admitted he opted to remain neutral. He explained that his position as a governor and not a National Assembly member led him to avoid taking sides. “I kept a distance because my input wouldn’t have had an impact,” he clarified. His statement comes shortly after Professor Kithure Kindiki was sworn in on November 1, 2024, as Kenya’s new Deputy President following Gachagua’s ouster.
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Why Governor Irungu Kang’ata Declined Raila Odinga’s Running Mate Proposal
