"After listening to people": Gachagua's ally drops out of Nairobi governor race

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera announced on August 17 that he was abandoning his Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions

- Nyakera visited ex-deputy president Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home to seek blessings for the new political direction

- Nyakera declared he would contest the Makadara constituency parliamentary seat on a DCP Party ticket

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has withdrawn from the race for the Nairobi governorship, redirecting his political ambitions towards the Makadara constituency parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Nyakera made the announcement on Monday, August 17, citing pressure from residents of Makadara who urged him to return to the constituency and represent them in the National Assembly.

He attributed the change in direction to consultations with political mentors and what he described as a clear call from the ground.

"After consultations with my political mentors, and more importantly, after listening to the people of Makadara who have asked me to come home and offer myself as their Member of Parliament, I have made the decision to shift my political focus from the Nairobi gubernatorial race to Makadara Constituency," Nyakera announced.

Nyakera visits Gachagua in Wamunyoro

As part of formalising his new political path, Nyakera travelled to Wamunyoro to meet former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by a delegation from Makadara. Gachagua, whom Nyakera publicly identified as a key political mentor, received the group and offered his endorsement of the move.

"I thank him for being my political mentor, for his guidance and counsel, and for warmly receiving us. I am especially grateful for his blessings as I embark on this new journey to become the next Member of Parliament for Makadara Constituency under the DCP Party," Nyakera said in a statement.

Nyakera's message to Makadara residents

Nyakera framed the decision as a direct response to constituents who had lobbied him to contest the seat, positioning himself as a candidate who is answering the will of the people rather than pursuing personal ambition.

"My brothers and sisters of Makadara, I have heard you. I am coming back home!" he declared.

The Makadara seat is currently held by Orange Democratic Movement MP George Aladwa, who was recently hospitalised.

Nyakera's entry into the race under the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) signals an early and competitive build-up to the 2027 contest in the Nairobi constituency.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.