Former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chair and ex-Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has signalled his intention to vie for a top seat in Nairobi in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview on NTV on Monday morning, Nyakera revealed that he had ditched the Farmers Party to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a strategic move to focus on Nairobi County politics.

"In Nairobi, I believe that the party I can work with is the DCP. This is because it is a truthful party. Right now, we want the truth in Kenya—and for Nairobi. We also want development for Nairobians," Nyakera stated.

He criticised the current leadership, claiming it had lost touch with the key issues affecting residents. "There are three major issues: the cost of living, joblessness, and lack of development—all of which the current crop of leaders are detached from."

Undated image of former PS and KICC board chair Irungu Nyakera at a past political event.

Photo

Irungu Nyakera

However, when pressed to clarify whether he would be running for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, Nyakera remained evasive, saying, ''I will discuss that later, but it is in Nairobi.''

Speculation over Nyakera’s political ambitions gained traction after a recent meeting with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The meeting, which took place at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi, sparked interest after Kalonzo publicly acknowledged Nyakera’s potential role in the capital’s 2027 political landscape.

Though Nyakera has yet to formally declare his candidacy, Kalonzo’s remarks appeared to endorse him for the gubernatorial seat, further fuelling political chatter around his move to the Democracy for Citizens Party.

''Today, I met with Irungu Nyakera, former PS and Nairobi 2027 gubernatorial candidate, at the SKM Command Centre, Nairobi. We discussed a number of pertinent issues concerning the County of Nairobi and the way forward in our dream to realise its full potential. We also spoke at length about the state of our nation, particularly the coercion and intimidation of politicians and human rights activists by state security," Kalonzo posted.

However, Nyakera made it clear that even though he is no longer with the Farmers Party, the group will still support farmers' rights under new leadership.

When asked how he would tackle cartelism if elected, Nyakera avoided a direct answer about his candidature but cited his past record in dismantling entrenched networks. 

He cited his experience working in the transportation industry and at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), where he asserted that he had successfully challenged and dismantled influential cartels. If appointed, he said he would bring the same tenacity to Nairobi.

The former PS, meanwhile, persisted in criticising the current national leadership, claiming that it was disconnected from the needs of common Kenyans.

Nyakera stated that if given the opportunity to amend the Constitution, he would advocate for raising the minimum presidential age to 65 years, suggesting that maturity and experience are crucial for effective leadership at the highest level.

A collage of President William Ruto and former PS Irungu Nyakera during past events.

PCS

Irungu Nyakera