Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has announced his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, saying there are persistent leadership gaps in the capital.
Karauri said he was entering the race with the backing of constituent from Kasarani and confidence in his ability to turn around the city’s fortunes.
The legislator expressed optimism about his chances at the ballot, saying residents would see tangible improvements under his administration if he is elected.
“Leadership is the main problem in Nairobi. With the backing of the people of Kasarani, I have decided to go for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat,” he said.
“I will be on the ballot. If elected, Nairobi residents will not complain.”
He argued that managing the city should not be overly complex, pointing to the county’s significant budget allocation as a key enabler of service delivery.
“We are complaining about small matters. Nairobi leadership is not a hard thing because it has a budget allocation,” he added.
Karauri is an astute businessman who owns several ventures.
Several politicians have already declared or hinted at their interest in contesting for the city’s top seat in the 2027 General Election.
While some have made their intentions official, others are still weighing their options or signaling interest.
Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria declared his bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Posting on his X account on October 13, 2025, the former Gatundu South MP said he was motivated to seek the position in order to “clean up” the county, which he described as struggling under poor management.
Kuria’s declaration came after he supported President William Ruto’s remarks on Sunday, October 12, 2025, about transforming Kenya into a first-world country.
“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 being 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,” Kuria said.
Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, also declared his candidacy for Nairobi Governor in the 2027 General Election, saying he will contest with or without the backing of the ODM party.
“I am sure I will not get the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor in 2027. Sakaja was endorsed by Raila at Bomas during the AUC prayer meeting. I know I will not get the ODM ticket, but I will still respect Raila as my political godfather, even though all my plans are in God’s hands,” Babu said during a breakfast interview on Kameme TV on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Journalist and political analyst Tony Gachoka also announced his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Gachoka joined KANU on June 24, 2025, and officially declared his bid for the Nairobi Governor’s seat.
“The purpose of being here today is to announce that I, Tony Gachoka, will be running for the gubernatorial seat in Nairobi,” Gachoka stated
