Nyakera dismisses tribal politics, urges Nairobians to prioritise leadership in 2027
By Ascah Mwango, July 24, 2025Former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Board Chairperson Irungu Nyakera has spoken out against the growing influence of tribal politics in the race for Nairobi’s governorship, urging residents to rise above ethnic divisions and prioritise competent leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement shared via his X account on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Nyakera targeted one of the Nairobi gubernatorial aspirants, whom he accused of using ethnic ties to court voters. He cited a claim by the candidate suggesting that Kikuyus would support him simply because his wife belongs to the Kikuyu community.
Nyakera questioned the logic behind such a strategy, arguing that if ethnicity were a legitimate qualification for leadership, then perhaps it would be more appropriate for the candidate’s Kikuyu wife to seek the seat herself. He dismissed the idea that tribal affiliation or marital ties should be a factor in determining who leads the capital city.
“A certain gubernatorial candidate is going around saying that Kikuyus will vote for him because his wife is Kikuyu,” Nyakera wrote.
Adding;
“That got me thinking – if indeed being Kikuyu is a qualification for being elected as a Nairobi governor, then maybe his wife should be the one running.”
He further emphasised that the leadership of Nairobi should not be reduced to ethnic or familial calculations but should be based on a candidate’s vision, integrity, and ability to deliver meaningful change. According to him, Nairobians have long suffered under weak leadership, often influenced by shallow political metrics rather than solid qualifications.
Nyakera called on voters to take the 2027 elections as a serious opportunity to break away from past mistakes and elect a governor who is focused on addressing the real challenges facing the city. He insisted that the future of Nairobi depends on leaders who can rise above tribal rhetoric and offer practical, inclusive solutions for all residents.
“On the contrary, Nairobi politics isn’t about tribal or marriage arithmetic but about the kind of leadership one will bring to the city. Nairobians have gambled with the governor’s seat for far too long. 2027 will provide them an opportunity to get it right!”
This comes as politicians are gearing up for the 2027 general elections, where voters across the country will elect leaders for various seats, including the presidency, governors, senators, members of parliament, women representatives, and members of county assemblies. The political atmosphere is already heating up, with early campaigns, shifting alliances, and increased public engagement shaping the road to the highly anticipated polls.