Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has officially declared his interest in the 2027 Embu gubernatorial race, setting the stage for an early political showdown with Governor Cecily Mbarire.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the distribution of bursary cheques to students in Manyatta Constituency, Mukunji announced that he would contest the county’s top seat in the next General Election.

The outspoken legislator said Embu County still faces major development challenges despite years of devolution funding, arguing that fresh leadership is needed to transform the region.

“For the record, so that they know, I will be vying for the Embu gubernatorial seat in 2027. We must change Embu,” Mukunji declared.

Mukunji claimed that several parts of the county continue to struggle with poor infrastructure, unemployment, water shortages and stalled development projects.

He said residents deserve a government that prioritizes service delivery, accountability and equitable development across all constituencies.

Manyatta voting bloc

As he sharpens his political strategy ahead of the contest, the Manyatta MP revealed that his immediate focus will be consolidating support within his political backyard before expanding his influence across the county.

Mukunji is expected to bank heavily on the voting strength of Manyatta Constituency, which remains the largest voting bloc in Embu County with more than 100,000 registered voters.

Political observers familiar with Embu politics believe that support from leaders and voters in Manyatta could significantly boost his chances in the gubernatorial contest.

“If Mukunji gets the backing of leaders from Manyatta Constituency, then he will definitely become a serious challenger. Being a youthful leader, he is also banking on the youth vote,” said Antony Muchiro, a resident of Manyatta.

The legislator is reportedly eyeing the ticket of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as he prepares for the highly anticipated race.

Kivuti, Mbarire expected in heated contest

The race is also expected to attract other heavyweight politicians, among them former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, who is reportedly preparing for another stab at the governorship.

Kivuti, who hails from Mbeere North Constituency, is expected to rely heavily on support from both Mbeere North and Mbeere South, areas where he continues to enjoy considerable political influence.

Governor Mbarire, who also serves as the national chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance, is widely expected to defend her seat using the ruling party as her political vehicle.

Although her political base is largely associated with Runyenjes Constituency, Mbarire has in recent years gained support in sections of Manyatta, Mbeere North and Mbeere South, particularly in Makima and Mwea wards.

Political analysts also expect more aspirants to join the Embu gubernatorial race as the 2027 General Election draws closer.

Efforts to obtain a response from Governor Mbarire’s camp regarding Mukunji’s remarks were unsuccessful by the time of publication.

With political realignments already emerging across Embu County, leaders are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of what is shaping up to be one of the region’s most competitive gubernatorial contests in recent years.