A number of MPs have already trained their sights on the gubernatorial jobs, poisoning their relationships with governors, three years to the polls.
There are fears the heightened political jostling could hurt services as governors are forced into early politicking and scheming to fend off political pressure.
Among the prominent figures eyeing governorships are Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a for Kiambu; Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for Nairobi; Nyali MP Mohamed Ali for Mombasa; Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa for Bungoma; Senator Godfrey Osotsi for Vihiga.
Others include Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi for Nairobi, Nyamira Women Representative Jerusha Momanyi; Mumias East MP Peter Salasya for Kakamega, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro for Kisii, among others.
Political analyst and JKUAT don Charles Mwangi Ng’ang’a emphasized the need for leaders to balance electoral ambitions with their roles as public servants.
He said the 2027 gubernatorial race will be pivotal for Kenya's political landscape, offering an opportunity for new leadership to emerge and regional dynamics to shift.
"As we navigate early campaigning and strategic manoeuvring, it's crucial that leaders heed President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua's calls for unity and prioritise service delivery," Ng’ang’a said.
He said early announcements allow candidates to mobilise resources and engage voters extensively, which could impact electoral outcomes.
In Nairobi, Governor Sakaja of UDA party could face Embakasi East MP Babu Owino or Westland's MP Timothy Wanyonyi in the gubernatorial race in 2027.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya is also expected to run for the capital city’s top post.
Wanyonyi had initially aimed for the governor’s seat under a coalition ticket until Azimio declared Polycarp Igathe as its candidate.
"Last time, I launched my gubernatorial campaign here in this church. The pastors endorsed and blessed my candidacy," he recalled. "Despite previous coalition arrangements pushing me towards the MP seat, this time, my journey will continue steadfastly. There's no turning back, regardless of new coalitions,'' Wanyonyi recently said.
Meanwhile, Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, clashed with Governor Wamatangi in Kiambu upon declaring her gubernatorial ambitions.
"This time, we must elect a woman governor, and I am prepared to serve my constituents as their governor in the upcoming election," Ng’ang’a said.
A group of Kiambu parliamentarians previously endorsed the election of a female governor, citing dissatisfaction with male predecessors' failure to deliver on pre-election promises.
Led by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senator Karungo Wathang’wa, they expressed disappointment with the county's four male governors, calling them a significant let-down to the electorate.
In Mombasa county, Nyali MP and former journalist Mohamed Ali is eyeing the Mombasa governorship and so is EALA MP Hassan Omar. They both belong to the governing UDA party.
They will face off with ODM's Governor Abdulswamad Nassir who is serving his first term.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli anticipates further political realignments ahead of the general elections.
"Shifting allegiances and strategic party manoeuvres will play pivotal roles in determining electoral outcomes," Kasembeli said.
"Candidates aligning with influential regional parties or leaders gain significant advantages.''
Kisii county, under Governor Simba Arati (ODM), has been in the spotlight over a power struggle between the county chief and National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro (UDA).
While Osoro has not declared his interest in the seat in 2027, Arati’s supporters believe his bitter rivalry is aimed at distabilising the county chief.
"I've never admired county politics; it's akin to village politics. National politics defines a country's trajectory. Reverting to the governorship is regressive; it diminishes your political stature, trading it for mere prestige," Osoro said.
Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi previously declared her candidacy, focusing on enhancing gender representation in county leadership.
She says she wants to be the Gladys Wanga, (referring to the Homa Bay county boss's strong performance) of Nyamira.
She is upbeat of a win as she drums up support.
“Governor Wanga is a testament that women, when supported, can deliver,” she told the Star on Sunday.
ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire is also in the race to unseat Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo in 2027.
Bosire cited what he termed "an apparent deficit in capacity" in the way county operations are being handled.
“There are so many issues that need to be addressed. Development should be a priority,” the former Kitutu Masaba MP said.
In Migori county, Governor Ochillo Ayacko (ODM) is not secure either, as opponents scheme to remove him in 2027, three years hence.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, who was elected on the ODM ticket but is now aligned to President William Ruto’s UDA party, has stirred the succession race after teaming up with Rongo MP Paul Abuor.
In Kisumu City where Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o is serving his last term, there have been heightened succession tussles involving sitting MPs as lawmakers plot against each other.
Professor Nyong’o’s deputy Mathews Owili, MPs Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach) and Rozah Buyu (Kisumu West ) and Senator Tom Ojienda are reportedly eyeing the governor’s seat.
In Western Kenya, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, who is serving his first term in office, is locking horns with his rivals as 2027 succession campaigns already rage.
Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala and Senator Okiya Omtatah are said to be eyeing the top county job, raising political temperatures.
Teso South MP Mary Emase of the UDA Party is also said to be eyeing the governor’s job.
In Kakamega, Governor Fernandez Barasa (ODM) is under siege as his rivals besiege him, three years to the polls.
Mumia East MP Peter Salasya has declared his bid for the Kakamega governorship.
"It's official, I am running for governor," Salasya said.
Senator Boni Khalwale has also teamed up with Barasa’s predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya, to remove the county boss.
Barasa is said to have fallen out with Oparanya immediately after the 2022 general elections and they no longer see eye to eye as succession campaigns gather steam.
Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, who worked closely with Oparanya during his term in office, is also said to be keen on running for governor.
In Vihiga county, Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Makadara MP George Aladwa are also locked in a battle as both aim to unseat Governor Wilber Ottichilo.
Ottichilo (ODM) is serving his second term in office.
In South Rift counties, as former and current politicians plot to unseat incumbent governors.
Sitting governors in Nakuru, Bomet and Kericho counties have recently past encountered stiff opposition and hostility as rivals challenge them.
In Nakuru, a group of UDA leaders, elected and former, from the region have formed a political outfit called the ‘G7’ to oppose Governor Susan Kihika.
Senator Tabitha Karanja Keroche, MPs Paul Chebor (Rongai), Joseph Tonui (Kuresoi South), former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri are all said to be eyeing Kihika’s coveted seat.
President William Ruto recently was forced to weigh in on succession politics following heckling that marred some of his rallies where rivals’ supporters clashed.
President Ruto urged a ceasefire in hostilities and reminded residents of their power to elect or reject leaders based on their performance record.
"I don't like the idea of heckling leaders. If a local leader has failed to provide service delivery, the 2027 polls will come, and you will decide how to punish such an individual. Just put them on the watch list," President Ruto recently said in Kericho.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, who is serving his first term, is said to be walking a political tightrope as rivals aim to destabilise him.
Senate Leader of Majority Aaron Cheruiyot, Belgut MP Nelson Koech, and President Ruto's adviser on the Great Lakes region Charles Keter are said to be eyeing Mutai’s seat.
In Bomet county, Governor Hillary Barchok, who is serving his second term is not able to run the county as he would like because of succession campaigns against him.
