Nairobi Governor Race: Sakaja Picks Absa Bank COO James Njoroge as His Running Mate

The Deputy President William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza alliance has settled on Absa Bank Chief Operating Officer (COO) James Njoroge as the running mate of its Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Senator Johnson Sakaja.

Njoroge was eyeing the UDA party ticket to contest for the Nyandarua governor’s seat but he lost to businessman Kiarie Badilisha in the just-concluded nominations.

Senator Sakaja said Njoroge emerged as the most suitable running mate candidate among those interviewed for the position due to his stellar corporate experience. Others who were interviewed included tycoon Jimnah Mbaru, and Paul Kinuthia of Nice and Lovely.

“Unlike many deputy governors who just sit and have tea and read newspapers, he brings a wealth of experience from the corporate world. He perfectly fits the bill of what we want to do in Nairobi,” Sakaja told Nation.

He added: “He is a man I trust and we will be introducing him more to the people of Nairobi. He is willingly coming to serve the people. You know others are being forced to come and serve. We have great rapport and chemistry and we want to professionalise how we run our city. Nairobi residents want services.”

The move comes days after former Equity Group Chief Commercial Officer Polycarp Igathe was unveiled as the Nairobi gubernatorial candidate for the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition. Former Kibwezi MP Prof. Philip Kaloki will be Igathe’s running mate.