The Race for 2027: MPs Gear Up for Gubernatorial Battles

The upcoming 2027 gubernatorial race in Kenya is already shaping up to be dynamic and potentially contentious, with more than ten Members of Parliament (MPs) eager to enter the fray.

This early surge in candidacies underscores both the ambition of Kenya’s political elite and the strategic maneuvers required to secure coveted county leadership positions.

Political analysts view these early declarations as calculated moves aimed at building momentum and securing a robust voter base well ahead of the elections. They argue that the unfolding race highlights the dynamic nature of succession politics in Kenya, a recurrent phenomenon in every election cycle, though early campaigns might hinder growth and development.

President William Ruto’s recent caution against premature electioneering resonates deeply within Kenya’s political landscape. His warning rightly emphasizes the potential pitfalls of early campaigning, which could divert attention and resources from urgent governance and service delivery issues.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for unity among leaders during a church service in Kiambu adds another dimension to the debate.

He stressed the importance of allowing current governors ample time to fulfill their mandates, cautioning against premature succession discussions that could disrupt effective governance and national progress.

Among the prominent figures eyeing governorships are Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a for Kiambu, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for Kisumu, Nyali MP Mohamed Ali for Mombasa, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa for Bungoma, and Senator Godfrey Ososi for Vihiga.

Others include Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi for Nairobi, Nyamira Women Representative Jerusha Momanyi, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya for Kakamega, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro for Kisii.

Political analyst and JKUAT don Charles Mwangi Ng’ang’a emphasized the need for leaders to balance electoral ambitions with their roles as public servants.

He highlighted that the 2027 gubernatorial race will be pivotal for Kenya’s political landscape, offering an opportunity for new leadership to emerge and regional dynamics to shift amid the fervor of electoral competition. “As we navigate early campaigning and strategic maneuvering, it’s crucial that leaders heed President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua’s calls for unity and prioritize service delivery,” Ng’ang’a remarked.

He noted that early announcements allow candidates to mobilize resources and engage voters extensively, which could significantly impact electoral outcomes.

Raila Odinga, leader of Azimio La Umoja and One Kenya Movement, initiated the succession politics on November 15, 2023, endorsing Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi for the Nairobi gubernatorial race in 2027.

Odinga acknowledged that Azimio lost the 2022 governorship due to Polycarp Igathe’s perceived weakness after being declared the flagbearer.

Wanyonyi had initially aimed for the gubernatorial seat under a coalition ticket until Azimio declared Igathe as its candidate.

Reflecting on these events, Odinga expressed regret, stating, “I was instructed to ask Tim to step down. Tim accepted it, although we had wanted him as a running mate. However, he opted to return to Westlands.”

Addressing a church congregation recently, Wanyonyi reaffirmed his determination to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027.

“Last time, I launched my gubernatorial campaign here in this church. The pastors endorsed and blessed my candidacy,” he recalled. “Despite previous coalition arrangements pushing me towards the MP seat, this time, my journey will continue steadfastly. There’s no turning back, regardless of new coalitions.”

Meanwhile, Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, clashed with Governor Wamatangi in Kiambu upon declaring her gubernatorial ambition. Ng’ang’a emphasized her suitability for the Kiambu governorship, criticizing Wamatangi for delaying service delivery to the electorate.

“This time, we must elect a woman governor, and I am prepared to serve my constituents as their governor in the upcoming election,” Ng’ang’a affirmed. A group of Kiambu parliamentarians previously endorsed the notion of electing a female governor, citing dissatisfaction with male predecessors’ failure to deliver on pre-election promises.

Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Senator Karungo Wathang’wa, they voiced disappointment with the county’s four male governors, deeming them a significant letdown to the electorate.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa recently announced his intent to leave the UDA party and join Ford Kenya, led by National Assembly Speaker, to contest the Bungoma gubernatorial seat.

Barasa urged Western region residents to strengthen Ford Kenya, emphasizing Speaker Wetang’ula’s plans to bolster the party for the 2027 elections. Similarly, South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro intensified ground campaigns aimed at unseating Governor Simba Arati, despite earlier denials of interest in the Kisii County governorship in 2027.

Political analysts argue that Osoro’s actions suggest ambitions beyond his initial stance. “I’ve never admired county politics; it’s akin to village politics. National politics defines a country’s trajectory.

Reverting to the governorship is regressive; it diminishes your political stature, trading it for mere prestige,” Osoro asserted on the Wabebe XP show.

In Kakamega County, Mumia East MP Peter Salasya formally declared his bid for the Kakamega governorship. Elected under the Azimio coalition’s DAP-K ticket, Salasya faces a competitive race against Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and the incumbent governor. “It’s official; I am running for governor,” Salasya affirmed.

The controversial MP recently drew attention for physically assaulting Malaha-Isongo-Makunga MCA Peter Walunya during a burial ceremony. Meanwhile, Senator Bonny Khalwale and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya recently reconciled their political differences and opted to collaborate.

They reaffirmed their commitment to unity and resolved to set aside disagreements for the advancement of Kakamega County’s development.

In Mombasa County, Nyali MP and former journalist Mohamed Ali eyes the Mombasa governorship, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino aims to succeed Anyang’ Nyong’o as Kisumu governor.

Senator Godfrey Ososi intends to vie for the Vihiga governor seat, dismissing earlier rumors and pledging to support Governor Wilber Ottichilo’s administration. Nyamira Women Representative Jerusha Momanyi previously declared her candidacy, focusing on enhancing gender representation in county leadership.

Political analyst Albert Kasembeli anticipates further political realignments ahead of the upcoming general elections. Citing Didmus Barasa’s alliance with Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya in Bungoma, Kasembeli emphasized that such affiliations not only strengthen individual campaigns but also shape regional political landscapes.

“Shifting allegiances and strategic party maneuvers will play pivotal roles in determining electoral outcomes,” Kasembeli noted. “Candidates aligning with influential regional parties or leaders gain significant advantages.

Didmus Barasa’s alignment with Ford Kenya underscores the potential impact of strong endorsements.”