Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has hinted that he will be on the ballot in the 2027 elections, vying for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.

Speaking on Monday, January 27, 2024, during the launch of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) headquarters in Karen, Nairobi, Waititu stated that he narrowly missed clinching the governor’s position in previous polls but was determined to secure the seat this time.

In his remarks on Monday, however, the seasoned politician expressed confidence in his chances this time, saying people have faith in his leadership.

“Mimi nitakuwa kwa kusimama. Kwa sababu wananchi ndio wanachagua. Mimi niko hapa Nairobi kusimama kama governor. Niliponea chupuchupu last time. Saa hii vile naona wananchi, mambo iko sawa,” Waititu said.

Impeachment reflections

Waititu also revisited his political journey, recalling various positions he had held—from being a Nairobi councillor to deputy mayor, member of parliament, and eventually Kiambu governor—before he was impeached after just two years in office.

He noted that impeachment is not an easy experience and argued that it often happens not because one has committed wrongdoing but because the government no longer wants them in office.

He added that when the government is determined to remove someone, they fabricate allegations to justify impeachment.

Waititu then roped in former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, labelling both of them as impeachment veterans.

He warned that being impeached does not mean one cannot run for political office again.

“Mimi nilianza na kuwa councilor to deputy mayor wa Nairobi mpaka nikakuwa governor ambaye nilinyoroshwa baada ya miaka mbili. Hii maneno ya impeachment msicheze nayo. Ukiona mtu anakuwa impeached ni yule ambaye hatakikani na serikali, hakukuwangi na makosa ingine. Lazima awekelewe makosa ndio atolewe kwa kiti. Kwa hizo sisi ndio maveteran wa kukuwa impeached. Lakini kuwa impeached does not mean hautasimama kwa kiti,” he stated.

Ruto’s warning

Amid cheers from fellow politicians, Waititu directed a bold message to President William Ruto, cautioning him to tread carefully as he might not finish his current term.

He predicted plans were underway to make him a one-term president and commended DAP-K leaders for uniting opposition politicians in such a high-profile meeting, claiming that Kenyans were pleased with the initiative.

Waititu also recalled Ruto’s previous remarks downplaying the opposition, suggesting that seeing the unity on display today would rattle him out.

“Yule alikuwa juzi anasema wengine wanahara, najua leo anaona simu yake akiwa kwa choo. Ni yeye anahara saa hii. Akiona hii team iko hapa anajua ako nyumbani. This is the cabinet in waiting. Mungu atujalie, hata kabla ya 2027, mimi naona atakuwa nyumbani ndio nyinyi mchukue usukani,” he remarked.