Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has continued to signal
his interest in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race, framing his potential
candidacy as a response to what he described as deep-rooted structural failures
in the capital rather than personal political ambition.
Speaking during an interview with digital media platforms at the home of Morris
Ogeta, former personal bodyguard to the late ex-Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, in
Uyoma, Siaya county, Kuria said he does not view the governorship as essential
to his political survival.
He argued instead that Nairobi is in urgent need of leadership capable of
undertaking radical transformation.
“I don’t need Nairobi, Nairobi needs me. I can survive without being
governor or something,” he said.
Kuria reflected on his unsuccessful attempt to clinch the Kiambu
governorship, distancing himself from the outcome and shifting focus to
governance outcomes.
“I tried to be the Governor of Kiambu, I didn't make it. I am not worse, Kiambu county is worse,” he remarked.
Positioning himself as a reform-minded technocrat, Kuria said his motivation
is driven by a desire to save Nairobi, which he described as a city grappling
with systemic decay.
“I'm just trying to save Nairobi, and if Nairobi thinks they have a better
person, so be it,” he said, adding that he would respect the electorate’s
decision should they choose otherwise.
Kuria painted a grim picture of the capital’s current state, arguing that
incremental fixes are insufficient.
“Nairobi is in a terrible mess,” he said. “Nairobi is a big slum sprinkled
with few green places.”
According to him, the city’s challenges require comprehensive restructuring
rather than short-term interventions.
Drawing on international comparisons, Kuria proposed an unconventional
solution: the creation of a new city to decongest and modernise the capital.
“If I was governor of Nairobi I would create a new city just like Nigeria
did. Nigeria could have fixed Lagos but they created Abuja,” he said. “Nairobi
requires re-engineering not repairing.”
He anchored his pitch on what he described as extensive global exposure,
saying his experience advising governments and multinational corporations
abroad has given him insight into what functional cities require.
“I am a widely travelled person. I still do it, I advise big companies and
governments abroad. I know what is possible and what is not possible,” Kuria
said.
Kuria insisted that Nairobi’s complex challenges demand leadership with both
vision and technical understanding.
“Only someone like me who is widely travelled with relevant experience can
fix it,” he asserted.
However, he maintained that his availability is conditional on public
support, striking a conciliatory tone toward the electorate.
“If Nairobi wants I'm available; if they don’t want the village is waiting
for me,” he said, before concluding with a goodwill message: “I wish Nairobi
nothing by the very best.”
