Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri has joined a growing number of county deputies who have declared ambitions to challenge their current bosses in the upcoming general election.
Muchiri is among eight aspirants who have formally expressed interest in contesting for the Nairobi governor’s seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
The group recently held consultations with President William Ruto at State House as part of the party’s early engagement process.
By registering as a gubernatorial aspirant, Muchiri has effectively positioned himself to compete against his current boss, Governor Johnson Sakaja, as well as former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, both of whom are also eyeing the powerful county seat under the ruling party’s banner.
Muchiri’s move mirrors a wider trend among deputy governors across the country who are increasingly seeking to step out of their principals’ shadows and mount their own bids for top county leadership.
In Kakamega County, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has already switched political allegiance from the DAP-K party to UDA, announcing plans to challenge his boss, Governor Fernandes Baraza of ODM. Savula said his decision was driven by a desire to strengthen his chances through affiliation with the ruling party.
The Kakamega DG recalled that during the 2022 elections, he had intended to vie for the governor’s seat but was persuaded by then Azimio leaders Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to drop his bid and instead run as Baraza’s deputy.
Confirming his political shift earlier this month, Savula stated that the process of formally exiting DAP-K was underway, adding that he intends to firmly align himself with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I want it clearly known that I will not associate with the opposition. I stand with the President,” Savula said on February 2, expressing confidence that cooperation between ODM and UDA would not stand in his way.
Meanwhile, in Homa Bay County, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has already launched his campaign for governor after publicly falling out with Governor Gladys Wanga.
Speaking recently in East Kamagak Ward in Kasipul Constituency, Magwanga accused the county leadership of sidelining him and frustrating his efforts to serve residents.
He openly declared that he would be on the ballot in 2027, promising a direct contest against Governor Wanga.
A similar political contest is shaping up in Siaya County, where Deputy Governor William Oduol has announced his intention to challenge his boss, veteran politician James Orengo, for the county’s top seat. Oduol said he has already launched his campaign and will seek the ODM ticket before facing off with other contenders.
“I have formally declared my interest in vying for governor on an ODM ticket and will present myself for nomination before taking on my competitors,” Oduol said during his declaration on January 10.
In Nyamira County, speculation continues to swirl around Deputy Governor James Gesami, who is reportedly still considering a gubernatorial bid after unsuccessfully pursuing the seat in both the 2017 and 2022 elections.
Gesami, a former West Mugirango MP, belongs to the ODM party, while his boss, Governor Amos Nyaribo, is affiliated with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
With at least five deputy governors already openly expressing ambitions to unseat their principals, the race for county leadership is shaping up to be fiercely contested long before the official campaign season begins.
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