Margaret Wanjiru renews Nairobi governor bid, says ‘Nairobi mpya’ is her vision

Margaret Wanjiru, a politician and preacher, has re-affirmed her intention to run for the position of Nairobi governor in the 2027 general election. Speaking during an interview on K24 TV on September 7, 2026, she outlined her vision for the city, which she calls "Nairobi mpya" - a new, clean, and functional Nairobi where residents can work, live, and thrive.

Wanjiru emphasized that her campaign would be centered on service delivery, accountability, and proper management. She described her vision for Nairobi as one where there is no need for government handouts, but rather, a conducive environment for residents to work and build their livelihoods. "Nairobi mpya is my vision. A new Nairobi, a clean Nairobi, a functional Nairobi where systems are working, where everything is functioning well, where Nairobi is organised and where people can work and thrive and flourish," she stated.

The former Starehe MP highlighted her focus on creating conditions that allow Nairobi residents to work instead of relying on government assistance. "Nairobians are not looking to be given; they just want to be facilitated. Give us the space to work, and we will work," she asserted.

Wanjiru also promised to prioritize a clean and healthy environment, addressing weaknesses in the city's public health institutions to ensure they function effectively and serve residents. She revisited the events of the 2022 Nairobi gubernatorial race, where she claimed her party changed its preferred candidate only hours before the announcement.

Wanjiru stated that she had campaigned on the "Nairobi mpya" vision and contributed to the development of the party manifesto, only to see similar proposals later featured in the party's campaign. She mentioned that she went to bed believing she was still the party's gubernatorial candidate, only to find out later that her position had been changed overnight due to lack of consultation.

Wanjiru formally declared her 2027 Nairobi governor bid on September 6, 2026, on a Kenya Moja Movement Political Party ticket. She emphasized that her decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a call to serve the residents of Nairobi. She also mentioned her strengths in management and organization, expressing her willingness to bring these skills to the county government to restore dignity, order, and accountability in the capital.