NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has abandoned his bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat and shifted his political focus to the Makadara parliamentary race ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nyakera announced the change on Monday, August 17, saying his decision followed consultations with his political mentors and calls from residents of Makadara urging him to seek the parliamentary seat.
“After consultations with my political mentors, and more importantly, after listening to the people of Makadara who have asked me to come home and offer myself as their Member of Parliament, I have made the decision to shift my political focus from the Nairobi gubernatorial race to Makadara Constituency,” Nyakera said.
Nyakera seeks Gachagua’s blessing
On Monday, Nyakera travelled to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home accompanied by a delegation from Makadara.
Nyakera described Gachagua as his political mentor and thanked him for his guidance and support.
“I am especially grateful for his blessings as I embark on this new journey to become the next Member of Parliament for Makadara Constituency under the DCP Party,” he said.
Gachagua later revealed that he had convinced Nyakera to abandon his gubernatorial ambitions and instead seek a parliamentary seat.
According to Gachagua, he wanted Nyakera in Parliament because of his experience and believed he could contribute to legislation and government oversight.
“Irungu Nyakera wanted to run for Nairobi governor, but I sat him down and told him no,” Gachagua said.
‘I am coming back home’
Nyakera directly addressed Makadara residents following the announcement.
“My brothers and sisters of Makadara, I have heard you. I am coming back home,” he said.
He is expected to contest the seat on the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket. Nyakera subsequently formally declared his candidature for the 2027 Makadara MP contest.
His decision ends his pursuit of the Nairobi governor’s position and reshapes the DCP’s lineup for the city’s 2027 political contests.
The Makadara parliamentary seat is currently held by ODM’s George Aladwa, who has also been linked to the Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Nyakera, a former Principal Secretary, has previously served in senior government positions, including as PS in the State Department of Transport and the State Department of Planning and Statistics.
His move to Makadara adds another high-profile contender to the constituency race as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
