Who Is Running for Nyamira Governor in 2027?

Amos Nyaribo (Governor, Nyamira) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is eligible to run again in 2027. He first held the office as deputy governor, stepping up to finish the late John Nyagarama's term, and won one of his own in 2022. The Nation reported in May 2026 that he is eligible for what would be a third term. Reported challengers as of 23 September 2026 included Walter Nyambati, Timothy Bosire, Jerusha Momanyi (Women Rep, Nyamira) and Swanya Ogeto.

The county and the 2022 result

Nyamira is the smaller of the two Gusii counties, with four constituencies: Kitutu Masaba, West Mugirango, North Mugirango and Borabu.

Some outlets put Nyaribo on 81,980. Nyambati's figure varies between 49,281 and 49,339 depending on the report. The Nation reported in February 2023 that a court upheld Nyaribo's election.

He won on a small party, beating ODM, UDA and Jubilee, and which party he runs on in 2027 is still an open question. The Standard's August 2026 piece credited him with stability and with projects such as dialysis machines, and recorded critics' complaints about communication and youth unemployment.

Why he can run again

The Constitution limits a governor to two terms. Nyaribo's first stint in the office was the remainder of Nyagarama's term, which he inherited rather than won at the ballot. The Nation's May 2026 analysis of Western races treated him as eligible, and a Standard opinion piece on 24 August 2026 described a 2027 win as a "rare third term". No challenge to his eligibility had been reported by 23 September 2026. For the governor's powers and limits, see what a governor controls.

The challengers

Nyambati, a former MP, ran second on UDA in 2022. Citizen Digital reported him saying he was ready to go again and dismissing concerns about his age.

Bosire, also a former MP, has criticised Nyaribo's accessibility, according to Citizen Digital.

Momanyi is expected to run for governor instead of defending her seat, according to The Standard's opinion piece of 24 August 2026. A Woman Representative faces no term limit under Articles 97 to 102 of the Constitution, so the choice is hers. If she runs, her seat opens. The piece named Alice Chae and Emily Nyagarama among those interested in it. It also listed Swanya Ogeto, Ben Momanyi and possibly James Gesami as governor aspirants.

Okong'o Omogeni (Senator, Nyamira) has attacked Nyaribo's record. Citizen Digital quoted him at a burial in 2024: "The county is in a mess, there are no drugs in the hospitals especially Nyamira Referral Hospital." Nyaribo replied: "We are all men, we shall battle it out when that time comes." The Standard's August 2026 piece said Omogeni appeared positioned to defend his Senate seat, though talk of a governor bid persisted.

Clans and the Matiang'i factor

The Standard's opinion piece framed the race by clan: Nyaribo from Bogirango against several aspirants from Bogetutu. An evenly split vote between frontrunners, it noted, "could open the door for an outsider".

Many aspirants, the piece said, were waiting to see whom Fred Matiang'i, the Kisii-born former Interior CS, would favour. Matiang'i became leader of the Jubilee Party on 22 September 2026, pending ratification; see Matiang'i's campaign.

The Nation, in December 2025, described Nyamira as a county where leaders at war with each other had delayed progress.

What to watch

Nyaribo's choice of party comes first: UPA again, or something bigger. The Bogetutu aspirants may consolidate, especially if Matiang'i and Jubilee signal a preference. Neighbouring Kisii's race is in who is running for Kisii governor, and every deadline before polling day is in the 2027 calendar.