NYERI, Kenya — Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has declared his bid for the Nyeri Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, setting off an early and potentially high-stakes political contest.
Kahiga, a two-term governor and a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), said he is seeking to transition to the Senate after completing his constitutionally mandated tenure at the county helm.
Speaking in Nyeri, the governor said his decision was informed by calls from constituents urging him to continue serving them at the national level.
“The people of Nyeri have asked me to go to the Senate to represent them and ensure counties get adequate resources while strengthening oversight,” he said.
Kahiga first assumed office in 2017 following the death of former Governor Wahome Gakuru before winning a full term in 2022.
His administration has focused on service delivery and institutional strengthening within the county.
His entry into the Senate race comes as the current senator, Wahome Wamatinga, is widely expected to vie for the Nyeri gubernatorial seat in 2027, potentially setting up a political swap that could redefine the county’s leadership.
However, the race is shaping up to be far from straightforward.
All eyes are also on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his newly formed political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which is rapidly gaining traction in the Mt Kenya region.
Political insiders indicate that DCP could field strong candidates across Nyeri County, with former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando emerging as a likely nominee for the Senate seat.
Kabando, known for his sharp political voice and grassroots appeal, could pose a formidable challenge to Kahiga.
Analysts say the growing influence of Gachagua’s DCP could significantly reshape political alignments in Nyeri and the wider Mount Kenya region, with the party seen as a major force ahead of 2027.
“The entry of DCP changes the equation completely. It introduces a new political wave that could sweep across key positions, especially in Central Kenya,” said a local political analyst.
If the party consolidates its support base, it could disrupt UDA’s dominance in the region and turn the Nyeri Senate race into one of the most closely watched contests in the country.
Kahiga’s bid, Wamatinga’s expected gubernatorial run, and the possible entry of Kabando under the DCP banner set the stage for a three-way battle that reflects the shifting political landscape ahead of 2027.
As early campaigns begin to take shape, Nyeri County is emerging as a key battleground that could offer a glimpse into the future of Mount Kenya politics.
