Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has declared her bid for Nairobi governor in the 2027 General Election under the Kenya Moja Movement Party, promising to fight corruption, improve service delivery and restore order in the capital.
Wanjiru unveiled her candidature under the banner of “Nairobi Mpya”, saying Nairobi needs leadership that understands its diversity and economic importance while ensuring public resources are managed prudently.
In a statement announcing her bid on Sunday, the Kenya Moja Movement Party leader said the decision followed consultations with her supporters, political allies and other stakeholders.
She described the move as a call to public service aimed at restoring efficiency and accountability in the management of Nairobi County.
“Nairobi deserves leadership that serves the people with honesty, accountability and vision,” Wanjiru said.
Her campaign platform places sanitation, reliable water supply, better roads and healthcare among her priorities. She also promised to improve waste management and create a business environment capable of generating jobs and attracting investment.
Wanjiru said Nairobi’s position as Kenya’s economic hub requires a county government that provides efficient services while managing public resources responsibly.
Waste management, she said, remains one of the city’s most pressing challenges, with poor garbage collection and environmental degradation affecting the quality of life of residents in several parts of the capital.
If elected, she said her administration would work towards transforming Nairobi into a cleaner and more organised city while supporting businesses and investors.
She also pledged to tackle corruption within county structures, arguing that prudent use of public funds would allow the county government to improve services and deliver better value to taxpayers.
The former legislator promised an inclusive administration in which all communities living in Nairobi would have equal opportunities regardless of tribe, religion or social background.
Her return to elective politics comes as several leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wanjiru is a prominent figure in Nairobi politics, with a public career spanning religion, government and elective politics for nearly two decades.
The founder of Jesus Is Alive Ministries entered Parliament in 2007 after winning the Starehe parliamentary seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, defeating veteran politician Maina Kamanda.
She was later appointed Assistant Minister for Housing in the Grand Coalition Government, serving in the position during her parliamentary term.
After leaving Parliament in 2013, Wanjiru turned her attention to county politics. She unsuccessfully contested the Nairobi Senate seat that year and later pursued the governorship.
In 2022, she initially sought the Nairobi governor position under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but stepped down in favour of Johnson Sakaja following negotiations within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Her latest declaration places her back in the Nairobi gubernatorial race as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls.