Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has alleged that powerful forces within Kenya’s political establishment pressured ODM Nairobi branch chairman George Aladwa to retract an agreement between the two on the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kuria claimed Aladwa was summoned by holders of extremely powerful offices and ordered to denounce their agreement on the Nairobi Governor ticket.
"George Aladwa was summoned last evening by holders of extremely powerful offices and ordered to denounce our agreement on Nairobi Governor ticket,” he claimed on X.
While expressing respect for Aladwa’s change of position, Kuria suggested the move was orchestrated by individuals seeking to influence Nairobi’s political landscape ahead of the next General Election.
“I respect his decision,” Kuria said.
“I want to tell those forces to relax. I want to be Governor of Nairobi to save this collapsing city. But it’s not a life and death affair for me.”
Kuria, who has recently signalled interest in running for Nairobi’s top county seat, maintained that his bid is driven by concerns over what he described as deteriorating governance and service delivery in the capital.
He did not provide details of the alleged agreement with Aladwa or the nature of the political pressure he claims was exerted.
Kuria also suggested that the developments had exposed early political manoeuvres within factions preparing for the 2027 polls.
“Again, by doing this you have let the cat out of the bag too early. Now we know your 2027 game plan. Thanks a million!” he remarked.
The statement by Kuria who recently resigned as President William Ruto’s senior economic adviser comes after Aladwa publicly declined the offer to work together.
According to Aladwa, he remains firmly in the race and will seek the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in the race.
“Nimesema mimi sikui deputy wa Moses Kuria. Nasimama governor kwa tikiti ya ODM,” the Makadara MP said.
This loosely translates to, “I have said I am not Moses Kuria’s deputy. I am running for governor on an ODM ticket.”
Kuria had on Monday named Aladwa his running mate in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race, in a political partnership he branded “The Nairobi Dream Team.”
In his statement, Kuria emphasised that his decision was not driven by tribal affiliations or party interests, but by a shared commitment to confronting the deep-rooted challenges facing Kenya’s capital.
“Not because of our tribes. Not because of our parties. Because we care for Nairobi,” he wrote, adding that the pair “understand what Nairobians are going through.”
Kuria said he and Aladwa bring together decades of leadership and managerial experience, as well as extensive networks both locally and internationally—assets he believes are crucial to fixing Nairobi’s chronic issues in governance, infrastructure, and service delivery.
“We have what it takes to make Nairobi work again,” he affirmed, presenting their ticket as a united, solutions-driven team ready to move the city forward.
