Bishop Wanjiru Steps Down for Senator Sakaja in Nairobi Governor’s Race

Deputy President William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza alliance has unveiled Johnson Sakaja as its gubernatorial candidate for Nairobi County.

This comes after former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru dropped her bid for the governor’s seat following a consensus meeting held at Ruto’s Karen residence on Saturday.

Wanjiru was instead handed the alliance’s ticket to contest for the Nairobi senatorial seat, which is currently occupied by Sakaja.

"Apart from the grassroots mobilization, I have been campaigning for the position of Nairobi Governor for the last two years. I have put structures in place from the polling stations all the way to the County level," Wanjiru said in a statement.

"Along the way, when we were building the Hustler Movement, we were joined by our brothers and sisters from FORD Kenya and ANC which became known as the Kenya Kwanza Coalition. This meant that new structures had to be put in place and aspirants from all these parties have had to reconsider their aspirations."

While acknowledging that coalitions come with challenges, Wanjiru stated that aspirants should be willing to give and take.

"I know that this move has broken many hearts but I want to encourage all my supporters to be strong and resilient," she said.

Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga was picked as the Woman Representative candidate.

Ruto described Sakaja as a leader who measures up to the challenges facing Nairobi.

“We honor Mheshimiwa Wanjiru for her magnanimity, sacrifice and grace. This win-win spirit will help Nairobi regain its glory,” Ruto said in a post.