Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has entered the 2027 Nairobi governor contest, unveiling Makadara MP George Aladwa as his preferred deputy in a new political partnership aimed at reshaping the capital’s leadership debate.
Kuria announced the joint ticket on Sunday through a statement on X, positioning the duo as advocates of non-tribal and issue-centered governance.
In his statement, Kuria said the decision to run together was anchored on shared concerns about Nairobi’s stalled development and persistent service delivery gaps.
He stated that their bid was “not because of our tribes” and “not because of our parties,” emphasising the need for leadership grounded in practical solutions rather than political identity.
According to Kuria, their “combined leadership and managerial experience” placed them in a strong position to “make Nairobi work again.”
The announcement introduces a cross-party formation that diverges from the traditional alignments that typically shape City Hall contests.
Aladwa, a long-serving ODM politician and former Nairobi mayor, has deep networks in Eastlands and influence within opposition circles.
Kuria, who served as Trade and Investments CS and previously represented Gatundu South in Parliament, has shifted through various political camps, giving him visibility across national coalitions.
Nairobi’s governor seat has historically been a high-stakes battleground for major political formations, with past contests often reflecting national-level alliances.
The city’s diverse population, complex governance structure and revenue potential make it one of the most competitive county positions in the country.
The addition of a Kuria–Aladwa ticket complicates an already crowded field, where candidates are expected to court both party bases and independent voters.
Kuria argued that their partnership brings access to “local, regional and global networks,” which he said were necessary for addressing Nairobi’s infrastructure backlog, unemployment pressures and administrative inefficiencies.
Although he did not release a full manifesto, the former CS signaled a focus on pragmatic reforms and a break from divisive rhetoric.
Kuria noted that more policy details would follow as the campaign takes shape, reiterating that the ticket seeks to provide leadership that responds directly to Nairobians’ everyday challenges.