Former Transport PS Irungu Nyakera when he visited Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri with his delegation. Photo/Irungu Nyakera/Facebook
By Newsflash Writer
Former Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has dropped his bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat and announced plans to contest the Makadara parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
Nyakera, a close ally and political associate of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, made the announcement on Monday, August 18, saying he had decided to shift his political focus to Makadara Constituency after consultations with his political mentors and residents of the constituency.
The former PS, who also served as the board chair of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), said he would seek the seat on the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket, a political outfit led by Gachagua.
“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 said.
Nyakera seeks Gachagua’s blessing
Nyakera announced his new political direction after visiting Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri, where he said he held consultations on his political future.
He was accompanied by a delegation from Makadara during the visit, which he said was aimed at seeking guidance from his political mentor before embarking on his new political journey.
“Today, together with a delegation from Makadara, I visited H.E. Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home. I thank him for being my political mentor, for his guidance and counsel, and for warmly receiving us,” he said.
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Nyakera added that he was grateful for Gachagua’s blessings as he prepares to seek the Makadara parliamentary seat.
“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,” he said.
He then addressed residents of Makadara, signalling his decision to return to the constituency and seek their support.
“My brothers and sisters of Makadara, I have heard you. I am coming back home!” Nyakera said.
Nyakera is also closely associated with the Farmers Party of Kenya (FPK), where he serves as party leader. His decision to pursue the Makadara seat marks a shift in his political ambitions as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Makadara parliamentary seat is currently held by George Aladwa, who will face competition from Nyakera and other potential aspirants.
Meanwhile, the Nairobi gubernatorial race is already attracting several high-profile politicians, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, among others.
Nyakera’s withdrawal is expected to reshape the emerging contest for Nairobi governor as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
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