Race for City Hall: Politicians who have declared interest for Nairobi governor seat

While some have made their intentions official, others are still weighing their options

by JANET ONYANGO

News13 October 2025 - 11:10

In Summary

Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria is the latest politician to declare his bid for the Nairobi governorship in 2027.
Posting on his X account on Monday, October 13, 2025, the former Gatundu South MP said he is motivated to seek the position in order to “clean up” the county, which he described as struggling under poor management.

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As Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja continues to face public scrutiny over issues such as garbage and waste management, challenges in the health sector, and other leadership concerns, several politicians have already declared or hinted at their interest in contesting for the city’s top seat in the 2027 General Election.

While some have made their intentions official, others are still weighing their options or signaling interest.

Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria is the latest politician to declare his bid for the Nairobi governorship in 2027.

Posting on his X account on Monday, October 13, 2025, the former Gatundu South MP said he is motivated to seek the position in order to “clean up” the county, which he described as struggling under poor management.

Kuria’s declaration came after he supported President William Ruto’s remarks on Sunday, October 12, 2025, about transforming Kenya into a first-world country.

“Dear President William Ruto, today you spoke to my heart. As Prime Minister Baba Raila Amolo Odinga has told me countless times, Nairobi cannot continue being the city of filth, garbage, and incompetence. I have heard your cry. That is why I will offer myself to be the Governor of the great county of Nairobi in 2027. I will fix Nairobi,” Kuria said.

Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, has also officially declared his candidacy for Nairobi Governor in the 2027 General Election, saying he will contest with or without the backing of the ODM party.

Babu Owino has repeatedly criticised Governor Sakaja for what he terms as incompetence in running the county.

“I am sure I will not get the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor in 2027. Sakaja was endorsed by Raila at Bomas during the AUC prayer meeting. I know I will not get the ODM ticket, but I will still respect Raila as my political godfather, even though all my plans are in God’s hands,” Babu said during a breakfast interview on Kameme TV on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Journalist and political analyst Tony Gachoka has also announced his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.

Gachoka joined Kanu on June 24, 2025, and officially declared his bid for the Nairobi Governor’s seat.

“The purpose of being here today is to announce that I, Tony Gachoka, will be running for the gubernatorial seat in Nairobi,” Gachoka stated.

Although Governor Sakaja has not yet made a formal declaration, he is widely expected to seek re-election.

He has already received the backing of key political leaders, including ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2025, during an interdenominational prayer service organized by the ODM Women’s Chapter ahead of the AUC elections, Raila endorsed Sakaja to oversee political affairs in Nairobi during his absence.

“I want Nairobi to remain strong. This young man here will take charge and do the work well,” Raila said, pointing at Sakaja, who was present at the event.

Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has also hinted at contesting the governorship after joining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Congress Party (DCP).

Meanwhile, Sakaja is facing mounting pressure at City Hall following reports of disagreements with a section of Nairobi County Assembly Members, some of whom are said to be plotting his impeachment before the 2027 polls over claims of incompetence in office.