Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Monday, October 13, 2025, declared his bid for the Nairobi governorship in the 2027 General Election, citing the city's persistent issues with waste management and perceived incompetence in its administration. This announcement follows President William Ruto's recent remarks expressing dissatisfaction with Nairobi's deteriorating state.

Kuria, who previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Industry and later as Senior Economic Advisor to President Ruto, made his intentions public via his X account. He stated, "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."

Political Context and Rivalry

Kuria's declaration comes amidst an ongoing political feud with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Just two days prior, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, Kuria had offered a conditional alliance to Gachagua, urging him to cease insulting leaders, particularly women leaders, in the Mt. Kenya region. This offer was publicly dismissed by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa, a close ally of Gachagua, who accused Kuria of being a political tool for President Ruto.

In response, Kuria criticised Gachagua's leadership, stating, "The problem with Rigathi Gachagua is that unlike Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, he surrounds himself with neophytes and rookies. The bar has fallen too low." This highlights a growing ideological and strategic divergence within the Mt. Kenya political landscape, with various leaders vying for regional influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nairobi's Gubernatorial Race

The entry of Moses Kuria into the Nairobi gubernatorial race adds a high-profile contender to what is expected to be a fiercely contested election. Incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja is widely expected to seek re-election, though he has faced increasing public scrutiny over issues such as garbage and waste management, and challenges in the health sector. A poll conducted by the Centre for African Progress (CAP) between March 6-9, 2025, indicated that 92% of Nairobians were unhappy with the county's management, with only 6% endorsing Sakaja's leadership.

Other politicians who have declared or hinted at their interest in the Nairobi governorship include Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili (Babu Owino) and political analyst Tony Gachoka. Babu Owino, according to the CAP poll, was leading the race with 38% of voter support in March 2025.

Governance and Policy Implications

The political developments surrounding the Nairobi governorship could influence near-term public debate and policy execution, particularly concerning urban development and service delivery. President Ruto's recent emphasis on transforming Nairobi into a clean, motorable, and well-lit city underscores the national government's focus on addressing the capital's challenges. The proposed partnership between the national government and Nairobi City County, potentially involving private sector players in waste management, signals a multi-faceted approach to urban renewal.

Evidence/Data Box

• Moses Kuria's Declaration: Monday, October 13, 2025, via X account.
• President Ruto's Criticism of Nairobi: Sunday, October 12, 2025, at AIC Ziwani Church service.
• Nairobians' Dissatisfaction with County Management: 92% (Centre for African Progress poll, March 6-9, 2025).
• Babu Owino's Lead in Poll: 38% voter support (Centre for African Progress poll, March 6-9, 2025).

Unanswered Questions and Uncertainties

The full impact of Moses Kuria's entry into the Nairobi gubernatorial race on the broader political landscape remains to be seen. It is unclear how his candidacy will affect the strategies of other aspirants and the dynamics within the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance. Furthermore, the extent to which his criticism of Gachagua will influence political realignments in the Mt. Kenya region is yet to unfold.

What to Watch

Observers will be keenly watching for responses from Governor Johnson Sakaja and other gubernatorial aspirants to Kuria's declaration. The evolving relationship between Moses Kuria and Rigathi Gachagua, particularly concerning their influence in the Mt. Kenya region, will also be a key area of focus. The coming months are likely to see increased political activity and strategic positioning as the 2027 General Election draws closer.