Cassypool rules out UDA ticket for Nairobi governor despite Ruto being his mentor
Renowned influencer Cassypool Capon has ruled out seeking the Nairobi gubernatorial seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, even as he maintains close ties with President William Ruto, whom he describes as a mentor.
Speaking on his 2027 political plans during an interview on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the entertainer-turned-aspirant said he will instead vie as an independent candidate, while leaving the door open to working with a political party aligned with the President.
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“I will vie as an independent candidate na nikipata chama that associates with President William Ruto; then I will vie with that political party,” Cassypool revealed.
Cassypool explained that his decision is guided by what he considers a practical and fair political reality, noting that the Head of State is also the party leader of UDA and already has a candidate within the party.
“I want to be fair and honest. My president, a man I look up to as a mentor, he is the party leader of UDA and today, the current governor of Nairobi. He is a UDA member and also a candidate come 2027,” he added.
He pointed out that the current Nairobi governor, Johnson Sakaja, is a UDA member and is expected to defend the seat in the 2027 General Election, making it unlikely for the President to back an outsider.
“How do you expect a party leader not to support a candidate from his political party, who is also the current governor and support Cassypool?” he posed.
The aspirant said he would make the same decision if he were in the President’s position, adding that such loyalty to party members should not be viewed negatively.
“If I were in his (Ruto’s) position, I would support my party member, and that does not make him a bad person,” Cassypool stated.
Despite choosing to go independent, Cassypool reiterated his loyalty to Ruto, expressing confidence that either outcome in the Nairobi race would still reflect positively on the Head of State.
“Mimi nitauza sera zangu, candidate wake auze sera zake and it is a win-win for the president. If his candidate win the election, it is a win for the president; if I win, it is still a win to him because I am loyal to the president of Kenya, and I will never change my stand,” he added.
Cassypool on his candidature
The influencer has been vocal about his bid for the Nairobi governorship in 2027, positioning himself as an alternative to traditional politicians and promising a different leadership approach focused on service delivery and accountability.
He said he sees himself as the only viable candidate outside the political class, arguing that his background as an influencer sets him apart from his competitors.
“Am the next governor of Nairobi. I am the only candidate who is not a politician; all my opponents are politicians, and I am an influencer,” Cassypool said.
“I think Nairobi needs a noisemaker and not a politician because a noisemaker atapiga kelele madawa zikuwe kwa hospitali, atapiga kelele drainage ifanye kazi, atapiga kelele watu wapate maji safi.”
“Nairobi inahitaji mpiga kelele; haiitaji mwanasiasa.“
