Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has declared his intention to run for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, signalling the start of what could shape up to be an early contest for control of the capital city.
Speaking to residents of Kasarani, the legislator said he was ready to seek the mandate to lead Nairobi County, framing his bid as a call for accountable leadership and citizen-driven governance.
“Wananchi lazima wachague ni nani wanataka awafanyie kazi. Kwa hivyo hapo mbele, 2027, nitakuwa hapo nikiitisha kiti cha governor. Watu wa kasarani mmenikubalia niende hapo na mimi siwezi waangusha. Mnishikilie, nikiwa na nyinyi najua naenda mpaka mwisho kwa hivyo mnishikilie. Mungu akisema hapo ndio tunaenda, hakuna mtu anaweza zuia,” Karauri said.
This loosely translates to: “Citizens must choose who they want to work for them. So, in the upcoming 2027 elections, I will be running for the position of governor (NAIROBI). People of Kasarani, you have agreed that I go there and I cannot let you down. Hold me accountable; with your support, I know I will go all the way. If God wills it, that is where we are going—no one can stop us.”
The announcement positions the Kasarani MP among city legislators who have publicly expressed interest in succeeding the current Nairobi County administration, which is led by Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Other city legislators interested in the seat include Babu Owino (Embakasi East), James Gakuya (Embakasi North) and George Aladwa (Makadara).
Other individuals who have declared interest in the seat include current Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera and political analyst Tony Gachoka. The list is expected to grow in the coming days.
While the 2027 elections remain more than a year away, political activity within the capital has begun to gather momentum as potential contenders test the waters and consolidate support bases.
Kasarani Constituency, one of Nairobi’s most populous constituencies, is considered a key voting bloc in county-wide elections. By anchoring his announcement before constituents, Karauri appeared to signal confidence in grassroots backing as he eyes the city’s top seat.
Nairobi County faces persistent challenges, including traffic congestion, waste management, housing deficits, and revenue collection inefficiencies—issues likely to dominate the 2027 campaign cycle.
