Could Irungu Kang'ata be Kenya's next second-in-command?

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

As the Senate impeachment trial of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua unfolded on Wednesday, Murang'a Governor Irung'u Kang'ata met with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to discuss "national cohesion and the progress we have made as a country under devolution.” 

The meeting quickly fueled speculation about Kang'ata's political ambitions, especially since he has been mentioned as a potential successor should the Senate vote to remove Gachagua.

“The Right Honourable former PM Raila Odinga invited me this morning for consultations. We had a good discussion on national cohesion and the progress we have made as a country under devolution,” said Kang'ata. 

Over the weekend, the governor reportedly met with some Members of County Assembly (MCAs) at a hotel on the Thika-Kenol road, hinting that he was among those being considered for the Deputy President role. 

“The Governor’s revelation took most of us by surprise and sparked mixed reactions. Some felt he should decline, fearing it could attract a 'sellout' or 'traitor' label. Others believed that his strong connections with the electorate could benefit us if he accepted the role,” an MCA who did not want to be quoted told The Standard. 

Following this meeting, Kang'ata convened with 40 Kenya Kwanza MPs at the United Kenya Club in Nairobi, referring to it as a gathering with old friends. 

“When I was in the National Assembly, I created lasting friendships, so I came to see my friends,” he said.

Javas Bigambo, a lawyer and governance expert, praised Kang'ata's steady political rise, from councillor to MP, Senator, and now Governor, noting his lack of involvement in scandals. 

“It is noteworthy that in his entire public service career, he has not been implicated in any graft scandals,” Bigambo said.

The analyst also referenced Kang'ata's networking skills, saying, "He connects easily with other leaders. If he were picked as Deputy President, he would integrate well and gain national acceptance. Different regions might not oppose him, as he hasn’t clashed with key figures like Uhuru Kenyatta, Rigathi Gachagua, or Raila Odinga.”

Political Career

Since his election as Murang’a Governor in 2022, Kang'ata has largely focused on local governance rather than national politics. 

His journey began at Murang'a Township Primary School (now Vidhu Ramji Primary School) from 1986 to 1993, before he moved on to Thika High School, where he earned an A-minus in his national exams. 

He later enrolled at the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Laws degree. 

During his university years, Kang’ata served as vice chair of the Kenya Law Students Society and the Student Organisation of Nairobi University but faced a two-year suspension for allegedly leading a strike. 

During this time, he successfully ran for a councillor’s seat. After amnesty was granted to suspended students under President Mwai Kibaki, Kang'ata returned to complete his degree in 2005, later earning a diploma from the Kenya School of Law.

Kang’ata gained prominence when he represented Rebecca Kerubo in a case that led to the resignation of Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Barasa in 2012. 

He was elected as the Kiharu MP in 2013 on a TNA ticket, serving one term before becoming Murang’a Senator on a Jubilee ticket.

As Senator and Chief Whip, the Murang'a County chief made headlines with a letter to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, cautioning that the Building Bridges Initiative was unpopular in the Mt. Kenya region. 

“Kang’ata is articulate and direct. You remember ‘Kang'ata wa Barua’—he could communicate with President Kenyatta clearly and respectfully without being condescending,” Bigambo added.

Whether his recent meetings and political positioning will lead to a bid for the Deputy President position remains uncertain. However, his experience and unblemished record make him a contender worth watching.