List of politicians who have declared interest in Nairobi governor’s seat
By Joel Masibo, October 13, 2025As Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stays in the limelight over a myriad of challenges, ranging from garbage and waste management challenges, health sector predicaments, among other key leadership challenges, a host of politicians have declared interest in, hinted at vying for the top seat at City Hall in the 2027 election.
While some have formally declared, others are considering or have signalled intentions.
Declared or announced bids
Moses Kuria
Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has become the latest politician to declare his bid to run for the next Governor of Nairobi County in the 2027 general election.
Taking to his X account on Monday, October 13, 2025, the former Gatundu South Member of Parliament said that he is inspired to run for the Nairobi City County top seat to clean the devolved unit choking on filth.
Kuria was supporting the latest remarks by President William Ruto on making Kenya a first-world country on Sunday, October 12, 2025, while addressing worshippers at a city church.
”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 to be 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,” Moses Kuria said.
Babu Owino
The Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Paul Ongili, alias Babu Owino, has officially declared his candidacy for Nairobi Governor in the 2027 general election, stating he will run with or without the ODM party’s backing.
Babu Owino has been criticising the incumbent governor, Johnson Sakaja, over his ‘incompetence’ in office.
“I am sure I will not get the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor in 2027. Sakaja was endorsed by Raila in Bomas during the AUC prayer meeting. I am sure that I will never be given an ODM ticket, but I will respect Raila as my political godfather even though all my plans are in God’s hands,” Babu Owino spoke during a breakfast show at Kameme TV on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Tony Gachoka
Journalist and political analyst Tony Gachoka has also announced he will vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Originally, it was reported that he would vie under the umbrella of DAP-K, but later it was reported to be with KANU.
“My fellow Nairobians, I, Tony Gachoka, stand before you with a clear vision and unwavering commitment. I am ready to serve as your governor in 2027. Nairobi needs bold leadership, transparency, and real solutions to the challenges we face. I have the experience, the passion, and the determination to transform this great city. With your support, we will build a Nairobi that works for everyone, where opportunities are abundant, and development reaches every corner. The time for change is now,” Gachoka said after he officially joined the Kenya African National Union (KANU) Party at a ceremony held at the party’s headquarters, Prudential House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Johnson Sakaja
Although he has not yet made a formal declaration in all reports, the incumbent governor is widely expected to run for re-election and has been endorsed by influential figures in the country’s political arena, like ODM leader Raila Odinga, to continue.
Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2025, during the interdenominational prayer service that was organised for him by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Women’s Chapter ahead of the AUC polls scheduled for Saturday, February 15, Raila endorsed Sakaja to take care of his political affairs in Nairobi in his absence.
“Nataka Nairobi ibaki imara, ndo huyu kijana wangu huyu ashikilie, afanye kazi sawa sawa,” Raila said as he pointed at Sakaja, who had joined the prayer event.
Former PS Irungu Nyakera has also hinted at unseating Governor Johnson Sakaja after joining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party.
Meanwhile, Johnson Sakaja is wading in murky waters at City Hall amid a fallout with a section of Nairobi City County Members of County Assembly who are plotting for his impeachment before the 2027 general election over reported incompetence in office.