I Was Not Invited - Kang’ata Speaks on Skipping Linda Mwananchi Launch

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has explained why he did not attend the launch of the Linda Mwananchi movement, saying he was not invited.

In an interview on Wednesday, November 4, Kang’ata said the invitation was extended to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who attended alongside his political allies, adding that the presence of key opposition figures such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna could significantly strengthen the opposition's political prospects.

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"I was not at the Linda Mwananchi launch; I was not invited. The person who was invited was Gachagua, and he came with his lieutenants. When you have Kalonzo, Gachagua, and Sifuna, that’s all. The three of them, once they come together, it’s a done deal," he said.

Kang'ata also expressed confidence in the opposition's potential to consolidate support across different regions, arguing that an alliance bringing together political strongholds in the Mount Kenya region, Lower Eastern, Western Kenya and areas previously associated with former President Raila Odinga could pose a formidable challenge.

"If you have the mountain, the lower eastern, the western, and potentially what I would call Raila’s former strongholds, coalescing together in one political bloc, it’s more than enough. Based on my intuition, the opposition seems to have, at least in every region, a substantial crowd," he added.

On claims of divisions within the United Opposition, Kang’ata dismissed the concerns, defending Gachagua's outspoken political approach and arguing that politicians should remain accountable to the electorate.

"I don’t see any division from where I sit. I know my boss (Gachagua) talks the hard truth. If I were an opposition politician, I would appreciate it. It is the politician who needs the people, not the people needing the politician," he further said.

Kang’ata also defended Gachagua against criticism from Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi, who had reportedly described the former Deputy President as a bully. 

He argued that Gachagua deserved appreciation for supporting a candidate in the Mbeere North political contest and challenged Muturi to reflect on his recent electoral setbacks.

"When Muturi calls my boss a bully, he is wrong; he should be thanking Gachagua for sacrificing to bring a candidate in Mbeere North. If I were Muturi, the three losses in quick succession would have led me to introspection," he noted.

Kang'ata further praised Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i, describing him as a capable leader who had served the country well. 

However, he maintained that Gachagua remained central to the opposition's political organisation and ability to bring different leaders together.

"Matiang’i is a good guy; he has done a good job for this country. He has to look at politics as it is as opposed to politics as it ought to be. Riggy G is definitely the glue that holds the opposition together," he said.

Kang’ata argued that Gachagua's influence was largely anchored in his control of a substantial voting bloc, making him an important political figure for anyone seeking to secure the presidency.

"If you are a politician in the opposition, you would know who holds all the cards because he controls the largest voting bloc in this country. If you want to become president, it definitely makes sense for you to look for Gachagua," he explained.

This comes days after DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala explained why he failed to attend the launch of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement.

Speaking on Sunday, November 1, Malala explained that he had a personal commitment that prevented him from attending the event but continued sharing information about Sifuna’s political ambitions.

"I didn’t go to the Sifuna party launch because I had a funeral in Trans Nzoia for a very close friend of mine. Even while I was at that function, I was able to disseminate relevant information pertaining to the Sifuna candidature," he said.

Malala also expressed support for the Linda Mwananchi movement, describing its members as political partners and signalling his willingness to work with them. 

He said the initiative needed to be strengthened under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

"Linda Mwananchi is coming up well; those are my partners, and I would be looking forward to working with them. We need to make it strong as DCP," he added.