Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has officially declared his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, unveiling Makadara MP George Aladwa as his running mate. The announcement marks one of the most unexpected political alliances ahead of the polls, signalling a strategic shift aimed at appealing to Nairobi’s diverse voter base.
Kuria, who previously served in President William Ruto’s administration, said his decision is driven by what he termed the urgent need to rescue Nairobi from years of mismanagement, poor urban planning, and failing public services. He emphasized that his bid is not based on tribal or party lines, but on the need to introduce experienced, hands-on leadership capable of transforming the capital city.
By picking George Aladwa—a prominent political figure with deep roots in Nairobi’s urban neighbourhoods—Kuria appears to be building a cross-party coalition that blends technocratic ambition with grassroots appeal. Their partnership is largely viewed as an attempt to bridge the political divides that often shape Nairobi’s elections. Kuria praised Aladwa as a committed leader with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by ordinary residents.
The duo has promised to prioritize key issues such as waste management, improved infrastructure, functional public transport, water supply, and the restoration of order in the city’s business sector. According to Kuria, Nairobi’s problems cannot be solved through conventional politics but through bold, innovative strategies supported by competent management teams.
The announcement has triggered mixed reactions across the political landscape. Supporters welcomed the alliance as a fresh attempt to inject new energy into City Hall, while critics questioned Aladwa’s track record and whether the pairing has what it takes to handle Nairobi’s complex governance structure. Political analysts also note that Aladwa has not yet publicly responded to the announcement, raising questions about whether the partnership is fully sealed.
As the 2027 race takes shape, the Kuria–Aladwa ticket is expected to alter the political arithmetic in the capital. Their entry adds pressure on other aspirants to define their vision more clearly and respond to voter frustrations over persistent issues such as corruption, traffic congestion, unemployment, and deteriorating public services.
Whether the alliance will withstand political pressure or gain strong traction across Nairobi remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Moses Kuria’s announcement has added new intensity to the upcoming Nairobi gubernatorial contest, setting the stage for a heated and unpredictable race.
