Inside a crowded Laikipia Governor 2027 race as Kiunjuri, Waruguru, Muriithi shape contest
Laikipia’s 2027 gubernatorial race is taking shape as a contest between familiar political names, with former Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, former Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru and former governor Ndiritu Muriithi already positioning themselves for the seat. At the centre of the emerging contest is the planned exit of Governor Joshua Irungu, who is serving his […]
Laikipia's 2027 gubernatorial race is shaping up as a contest between veteran politicians, with Mwangi Kiunjuri, Catherine Waruguru, and Ndiritu Muriithi leading the way. Governor Joshua Irungu, nearing the end of his second and final term, is set to step down, creating a power vacuum that the county's political elite are scrambling to fill.
Irungu's record, alliances, and choice of successor are set to play a crucial role in the unfolding political drama. Beyond the three main contenders, Laikipia County Secretary Koinange Wahome has also thrown his hat into the ring, further complicating the race. Kiunjuri, the most politically seasoned of the trio, announced his gubernatorial bid in February 2026, marking his second attempt at the top seat.
His extensive political experience, dating back to 1997, and his strong name recognition could prove to be significant assets in the race. Waruguru, on the other hand, brings a different political proposition to the table. A former Laikipia Woman Representative, she has aligned herself with the political camp associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, lending her candidacy a wider Mount Kenya political dimension.
Her return to electoral politics is marked by her criticism of the current county administration, positioning herself as a potential alternative to the existing political establishment. Muriithi, the former governor, presents a clear case of a political comeback. He served as governor from 2017 to 2022, losing the 2022 election to Irungu but announcing his bid for the seat again in August 2026.
His understanding of the county's governance system and his prior electoral experience with Irungu could give him a significant edge in the 2027 contest. As the race takes shape, the interplay between the candidates' political histories, their proposed policies, and their ability to build a coalition capable of competing across Laikipia's diverse constituencies will be crucial factors to watch.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
