- Nairobi businesswoman Agnes Kagure has officially announced her intention to run for the Nairobi governor's seat in the 2027 general elections.
- This follows Raila Odinga's public backing of Johnson Sakaja's bid for a second term in the General Election
- Kagure has previously received notable political support, including endorsement from a segment of the Kikuyu Council of Elders
Notified business leader and women's empowerment advocate Agnes Kagure has formally announced her candidacy for the 2027 Nairobi governorship election.
Kagure, who previously ran for the seat in 2022, announced her candidacy on her social media platforms, stating that she is now more confident in her ability to lead Kenya's capital.
Kagure looked back on her past campaign and acknowledged the difficulties she encountered, but she stressed that this experience had given her valuable lessons for her second try.
A dream postponed is not a dream abandoned. Our path to transforming Nairobi remains on track and 2027 is our destined date.
Kagure, a long-time advocate for women's and youth empowerment, emphasized that Nairobi requires a leader who genuinely comprehends the city's economic, social, and infrastructural requirements.
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Kagure's 2027 bid has already received significant backing from the Kikuyu Council of Elders, a highly influential group in Kenya's politics.
In September 2024, a group of community leaders publicly supported Kagure, expressing their discontent with Governor Johnson Sakaja's leadership. They stated that a wise and capable woman like Kagure would be able to guide Nairobi in a positive direction.
The elder leaders criticized Sakaja's term of office, focusing on his treatment of small-scale traders and the lack of financial assistance for students via county scholarships. They vowed to back Kagure and guarantee that Nairobi receives the leadership it deserves.
Kagure's bid fuels political upheaval
Kagure's announcement has not gone unnoticed by her political opponents. In October 2024, she hinted that her renewed political ambitions had shaken up rival camps, leading to increased public scrutiny and attacks against her.
She alleged that certain individuals were trying to revive outdated accusations with the intention of damaging her reputation and discrediting her candidacy.
One such controversy dates back to 2024 when Kagure was accused of embezzling KSh 142 million from a German national in a petroleum business deal. However, she dismissed these allegations as politically motivated, stating that she would not be swayed by false narratives.
Raila Odinga has endorsed Johnson Sakaja for the Nairobi senatorial seat.
As Kagure readies herself for a fierce battle, her most formidable opponent, Governor Sakaja, has secured a significant political backing from Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party.
At a press conference held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Odinga publicly supported Sakaja's re-election campaign, referring to him as a forward-thinking leader with the capacity to transform Nairobi into a more efficient and more inclusive city.
Odinga commended Sakaja, stating that he has demonstrated a grasp of Nairobi's sentiment and that his efforts, though not flawless, have established a foundation upon which we can construct a more inclusive and forward-thinking Nairobi.
Mr. Odinga emphasized that his endorsement was not driven by party affiliations, but rather by his conviction that the candidate he chose was the most suitable leader for the city's future.