Former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chairperson Irungu Nyakera has voiced deep concerns over the state of democracy in Kenya, following a high-level meeting with fellow party leaders George Wajackoyah of the Roots Party and Godfrey Kanoti of the DNA Party.

In a statement shared on his official X account on Friday, April 25, 2025, Nyakera said the trio were deeply concerned about Kenya’s worrying political direction, citing issues such as state capture, possible electoral fraud, rampant corruption, ethnic favouritism, weakened institutions, and the growing threat of authoritarian rule.

“Yesterday, I met with fellow party leaders @TheWajakoyah of the Roots Party and @GodfreyKanoti of the DNA Party. Like me, they are deeply concerned about the troubling direction this country is taking: from state capture and looming electoral fraud to runaway corruption, ethnic patronage, the erosion of institutional independence, and the dangerous rise of one-man rule,” he said.

According to Nyakera, the three leaders jointly called on all political actors, civil society groups, and citizens of goodwill to resist the gradual erosion of democratic gains made over the years. They emphasised the need for unity in defending the Constitution and safeguarding institutions from political manipulation.

“We called on all leaders of conscience to speak out and resist the steady rollback of our democratic gains. Kenya must not return to the dark days, and we must all stand and fight for a progressive, accountable, and inclusive nation,” he added.

Nyakera political stand

Nyakera, on Monday, April 21, 2025, hinted at supporting former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka for president in the 2027 General Elections.

According to Nyakera, Kalonzo embodies the character of retired president the late Mwai Kibaki, who is credited with transforming Kenya’s economy and promoting institutional independence.

“I stumbled on this photo from Starehe Boys’ in 1999, where I was receiving a prize from the then Minister for Education, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka. Even then, his calm authority and dignified presence stood out. Kalonzo reminds me of Mwai Kibaki – steady, principled, and statesmanlike. And, like Kibaki, he embodies the kind of leadership that respects institutions, listens more than he speaks, and governs with humility, not hubris,” Nyakera stated.

“As we look ahead to 2027, Kenya needs a thoughtful and empathetic leader, not a cantankerous one. A leader who can restore dignity to the presidency, give space to independent institutions, build our economy, and focus on uniting the country.”

Wajackoyah’s presidential bid

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, during a live interview at K24 TV, Wajackoyah announced that he will be challenging President William Ruto for the second time at the 2027 general elections, adding that he will not back down from his ambitions in the presidential bid.

“Nimekuja hapa ku announce hapa officially again this year that I am on the ballot in 2027, na sitabanduka am running again,” he announced.

The Roots Party leader further faulted Ruto for a lack of inclusion of the former 2022 presidential candidates in the country’s development.

Yesterday, I met with fellow party leaders, @TheWajakoyah of the Roots Party and @GodfreyKanoti of the DNA Party. Like me, they are deeply concerned about the troubling direction this country is taking: from state capture and looming electoral fraud to runaway corruption, ethnic… pic.twitter.com/DtgekEK50L

— Irungu Nyakera, CBS (@wnyakera) April 25, 2025