Sakaja Declares 2032 Presidential Bid, Disrupting Gachagua’s Prospects

Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, has announced his presidential aspirations for 2032, following the completion of his two terms as governor, provided he is successful in retaining his seat in 2027.

Sakaja expressed his belief that he would still be capable of “navigating the political waves that accompany a presidential race.”

“Why not run for the presidency in 2032? I will only be 47 years old. God willing, I will run. I also believe I will have the support of the people because I will have done a good job as governor,” he stated in an interview with a radio station on the night of Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

According to analysts, Sakaja’s statement appears to disrupt the political dynamics involving Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been seen as a potential successor to President William Ruto, should he manage to lead the country for two terms until 2032.

Gachagua has been pursuing strategies to unite the Mount Kenya region, with analysts pointing out that this is a way to ensure he establishes a solid political foundation before seeking support in other regions.

Read also:Kikuyu Elders Implore Uhuru and Gachagua to Reconcile for Unity

Sakaja also mentioned that Musalia Mudavadi, the leader of the Cabinet, might run for the presidency, although he would not contest in 2027.

“Without a doubt, Mudavadi cannot defy President Ruto by running for the presidency in 2027. He will be behind him to help him defend that position,” Sakaja said.

Regarding the alleged political tensions between President Ruto and Gachagua, Sakaja referred to those claims as “rumors perpetuated by individuals with ill intentions against the Kenya First government.”

He stated that he is a close associate of both leaders and is unaware of any tensions between them.

“I know President Ruto well. He is a gentleman. There have been times when he has said he would not want anyone to go through what he went through under the leadership of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Besides that, he has said he will not allow anyone to disrespect Gachagua. So, I don’t think President Ruto can permit such a situation to recur in his government,” Sakaja said, adding that both of them will run for the presidency in 2027.

Read also:Is Mount Kenya’s Unity a Response to Political Betrayals?

The governor also denied the existence of political differences between himself and Gachagua, stating that what existed between them were differing viewpoints rather than a lack of wisdom.

The two figures seemed to clash in March this year when Gachagua claimed that Sakaja was harassing people from the Mount Kenya region by directing matatus to leave the city center.

“Let me tell the truth, I respect Gachagua as the Deputy President and as one of the top leaders of our party, the United Democratic Movement (UDA). What happened was a difference in perspective, but not a situation that should stir up any political animosity,” Sakaja explained.

Furthermore, he stated that he would seek out former President Uhuru Kenyatta to “resolve the political differences between them.”