Who's Running for Nairobi Governor in 2027? Every Declared Candidate
Updated 2 October 2026.
At least four politicians have formally declared for Nairobi's 2027 governor race as of mid-2026, with incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja — widely expected to seek re-election, and reportedly endorsed in February 2025 by Raila Odinga, the late ODM leader — yet to make it official himself.
Who's declared so far
Ronald Karauri — Kasarani MP and businessman, a former Kenya Airways pilot and former SportPesa CEO, declared his candidacy in February 2026.
Paul Ongili, widely known as Babu Owino — Embakasi East MP, declared his candidacy and stated publicly he intends to run "with or without" his party ODM's formal backing.
Moses Kuria — former Cabinet Secretary for Trade, declared his bid citing a need to "clean up" the county's management.
Tony Gachoka — journalist and political analyst, announced his intention to contest on a Kenya African National Union (KANU) ticket.
The incumbent's position
Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi's sitting governor, has not formally declared a re-election bid as of this writing, though he is widely expected to seek a second term and was reportedly endorsed in February 2025 by Raila Odinga, the ODM leader who died in October 2025 — a significant signal given ODM's role in the current broad-based government arrangement.
Why Nairobi's governor race draws this much early attention
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and largest county by economic weight, which makes its governorship one of the most closely watched sub-national races on the 2027 ballot — a magnet for both established politicians and first-time aspirants with national name recognition, well over a year before voters actually decide.
What to watch for next
Party primaries and coalition negotiations between now and nominations will likely narrow this field — several of the declared candidates belong to parties whose national coalition posture could constrain who actually appears on the ballot under which banner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has declared for the Nairobi governor race in 2027?
As of mid-2026, declared candidates include Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili (Babu Owino), former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, and journalist Tony Gachoka.
Is incumbent Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja running for re-election in 2027?
He has not formally declared as of this writing, but is widely expected to seek a second term and was reportedly endorsed in February 2025 by Raila Odinga, the ODM leader who died in October 2025.