Irungu Kang'ata Biography: Education, Family, Controversies

Irungu Kang’ata was born in 1980 in Murang’a town, Kenya. He is the son of the late Joseph Irungu and the late Margaret Wangechi Irungu. His parents settled in Murang’a town in the 1960s and worked as mechanics. Kang’ata grew up in a modest background, and his family had a humble upbringing.

Education

Kang’ata’s educational journey began at Murang’a Township Primary School, now known as Vidhu Ramji Primary School, where he attended from 1986 to 1993. He then proceeded to Thika High School, where he completed his secondary education between 1994 and 1997. In 1999, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi Parklands Campus. During his time at the university, he was elected as the vice-chair of the Kenya Law Student Society in his freshman year and later as vice-chairman of the Student Organization of Nairobi University (SONU) in the same year.

While at the university, he became involved in student activism, championing the cause of regular Joint Admissions Board (JAB) students who were restricted from certain courses reserved for parallel module 2 students. In 2002, while he was still under suspension from campus for his activism, he was elected as a Councillor for Central Ward in Murang’a town.

In 2004, Kang’ata completed his Law Degree and continued his legal education at the Kenya School of Law, where he earned his Diploma in law. He also pursued additional qualifications, including CPS (Certified Public Secretary) Section 1 and Section 2, and ultimately a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Nairobi.

Political Career

Kang’ata’s political career commenced during his university days when he was elected as a Councillor for Central Ward in Murang’a town in 2002. He later won the Kiharu constituency seat in 2013 on a The National Alliance (TNA) party ticket. Between 2017 and 2022, he served as the Murang’a County Senator. During his tenure in the Senate, Kang’ata played a key role in championing education-related legislation, including the Higher Education Amendment Bill, which was signed into law by the president.

He also received recognition for his management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and investment in domestic water projects. His focus on water projects earned him an award from the Central Kenya Forum for Peace for having the best CDF management within the Mount Kenya region.

Kang’ata is known for his strong stance against gay rights in Kenya. He proposed that parliament seek information about the alleged non-enforcement of anti-gay laws in Kenya and formed an anti-homosexuality caucus in parliament to push for further legislation against LGBT people in Kenya.

Achievements

Irungu Kang’ata’s achievements include his successful election as a Member of Parliament for Kiharu constituency, his role in the passage of the Higher Education Amendment Bill, and his recognition for effective CDF management and investment in water projects.

Controversies

Kang’ata’s strong stance against gay rights and his call for the arrest of those practicing homosexuality, along with his involvement in anti-gay legislation, have stirred controversy and debate in Kenya and internationally.

Family & Personal Life

Irungu Kang’ata is married to Mary Wambui, and they celebrated their wedding in September 2018, with President Uhuru Kenyatta in attendance. The couple has two children, Rita Mary Muthoni Kangata and Yuna Wangechi.

Despite earning a substantial salary as a Member of Parliament, Kang’ata is known for his simple lifestyle. He is not extravagant, invests in projects, and gives generously. He drives a modest vehicle, and his home in Murang’a town is a modest structure with no servants or security detail.

Kang’ata also owns a law firm in Nairobi and Murang’a known as Muchoki, Kang’ata, Njenga & Company Advocates (“MKN & Company”), which he co-founded in 2007 and became fully operational in 2009. He has also invested in real estate, owning a three-bedroom house in Kikuyu and building a house in Murang’a town for his parents.