The race for the Laikipia governor’s seat is taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest shaped by personalities, development records, party alignments and emerging political formations in Mt Kenya.
The political battle lines are being drawn in the succession of incumbent Governor Joshua Irungu, who lost his re-election bid in 2017 to Ndiritu Muriithi, before reclaiming the seat in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) wave.
So far, nine aspirants have declared interest in the seat, with several eyeing the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The contest is shaping up into a heavyweight race featuring Mr Muriithi, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and former Woman Representative Cate Waruguru.
The Laikipia contest is shaping up into a heavyweight race featuring former Woman Representative Cate Waruguru(left) former Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Photo credit: NMG
Also in the race are County Secretary Koinange Wahome, Health Executive Albert Taiti and Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri. Others include Peter Kuria (Mwalimu), a former principal at Nanyuki High School and former IEBC official, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, and Kihunyo Gitogo.
Ms Waruguru, Mr Wahome and Mr Kuria have confirmed interest in the DCP ticket, while Mr Kamuri is also said to lean toward the opposition.
Mr Muriithi, who won the 2017 election as an independent but lost in 2022 amid his association with the Azimio coalition, is expected to run on a Kenya Reform Party (KRP) ticket, although he says he has not made a final decision.
Mr Kiunjuri, who leads The Service Party (TSP), appears torn between retaining his party and aligning with broader political currents as pressure mounts on him to consider a UDA ticket, despite UDA not having formally fronted a candidate in the race.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi | Nation Media Group
The seasoned politician, who is also President William Ruto’ s pointman in Mt Kenya, has been tasked with mobilising support for the President’s re-election bid. However, he now faces growing pressure to dissolve his party and join UDA.
With rising political discontent in parts of Mt Kenya following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024, President Ruto’s camp is increasingly scouting for strong candidates to consolidate support in the region. DCP, meanwhile, is riding on a wave of political sympathy and growing opposition sentiment under the “Wantam” political narrative.
UDA leaders have claimed that Mr Kiunjuri is the party’s preferred gubernatorial candidate. In an apparent bid to pressure him into the party, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru has been floated as a possible alternative should Kiunjuri decline.
During a recent meeting with pastoral communities at Posta Shopping Centre in Laikipia West, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago said UDA had already settled on Kiunjuri.
“As UDA supporters, we have our gubernatorial candidate in Mwangi Kiunjuri. Once he runs on the party ticket, we shall fully back him. I know Laikipia North constituents are behind him,” said Mr Mandago.
Mr Kiunjuri, however, dismissed the claims, insisting he will not abandon TSP.
“I have never told anyone that I am considering a UDA ticket. My party is TSP and no other. I am telling UDA they are free to field their candidate and we meet at the ballot,” he said.
He maintained that he is an independent-minded politician but reiterated his continued support for President Ruto.
Mr Kiunjuri added that his development record gives him an advantage, citing projects such as dams, water schemes and road infrastructure, including lobbying for the stalled 78km Nanyuki–Rumuruti road project worth Sh4 billion.
Mr Muriithi, who has been cautious about revealing his political direction, said his focus remains on service delivery rather than political slogans.
“It is no secret that I am interested in the Laikipia governor’s seat. But for me, the slogans around ‘Wantam’ or ‘Tutam’ are not important. The focus should be on solutions for Kenyans, job creation, and industrialisation,” he said.
Former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi.
Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi I Nation Media Group
Now serving as Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) board chair, Mr Muriithi is linked to the Kenya Reform Party (KRP). Party chairman Munene Kahiro said the party is courting him to fly its ticket.
“We are wooing Ndiritu to join us because he aligns with the ideals of our party,” he said, adding that KRP is firmly in the opposition.
If Mr Muriithi and Mr Kiunjuri settle on different party tickets, both supporting President Ruto from opposing platforms, the race is expected to become even more politically complex.
Within DCP, aspirants insist they are best placed to clinch the ticket, with party leader Rigathi Gachagua maintaining he will not favour any candidate, leaving the decision to grassroots nominations.
“I have built strong networks across Laikipia through continuous engagement with residents, women, youth, and community groups,” she said.
Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“I will deliver the seat for DCP because I have worked across the county and my record speaks for itself,” he said.
Mr Kuria, however, warned that he would consider alternatives if the DCP nominations are not fair.
“We have been assured that the primaries will be free and fair. If I lose in a transparent process, I will support the winner. But if I am shortchanged, I will run as an independent,” he said.
According to the 2022 IEBC register, Laikipia has 259,678 registered voters, with Laikipia West having 113,713, Laikipia East 97,137, and Laikipia North 48,828.
The county’s cosmopolitan nature which is home to Kikuyu, Samburu, Maasai, Turkana and Pokot communities, adds another layer of complexity to the race.
The 2022 elections reflected this diversity, with MPs elected on different party tickets across the constituencies: Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Stephen Wachira (Laikipia West, UDA), and Sarah Korere (Laikipia North, Jubilee).
With voting patterns often influenced by party affiliation, mobilisation resources and local networks, the 2027 governor race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the Mt Kenya region.
