Nairobi Governor Kananu Quits Race to Defend Her Seat, Declares Support for Polycarp Igathe

Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu has withdrawn from the race to defend her seat in the August 9th elections.

Kananu, who was sworn in as Nairobi governor following the impeachment of Mike Sonko, stepped down in favor of former Equity Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Polycarp Igathe.

Addressing the press at her office on Wednesday, Kananu urged Nairobi residents to rally behind Igathe, saying that the city would be safer in his hands.

Igathe was last week unveiled as the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition’s candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial race alongside his running mate former Kibwezi MP Prof. Philip Kaloki.

“I want to tell all Nairobians that you are safe under Igathe…Those in Azimio thinking of going independent, that won't help us,” said Kananu.

She added: “Campaign tutaenda pamoja na mashinani tutaingia pamoja…Mahali tumebakisha na NMS tutakamilisha na Igathe.”

Last week, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi and businessman Richard Ngatia agreed to shelve their bids and support Igathe.

Igathe joined politics in 2017 as the running mate of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko but he resigned as deputy governor five months after their election, citing the failure to earn the trust of the governor.