Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairperson Ndiritu Muriithi has announced plans to reclaim the Laikipia governorship in 2027, saying he still has “something to offer” the county and will seek to return to office on a platform of economic development and inclusive leadership.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) chairperson confirmed his bid on Tuesday, marking his return to the political contest five years after he lost the seat to incumbent Governor Joshua Irungu.
Muriithi, who served as Laikipia governor from 2017 to 2022, said his campaign would focus on issues affecting residents rather than ethnic politics, promising competent leadership, integrity and a stronger local economy.
“I offer them the right kind of politics, not the politics of beating one tribe versus another, but a politics of inclusion,” he said in an interview with Radio Generation.
He will contest the seat on the Reform Party of Kenya (RPK) ticket, having won the governorship in 2017 as an independent candidate.
His return sets the stage for a fresh contest for the seat, with Irungu serving his second and final term and therefore unable to seek re-election in 2027.
Muriithi defeated Irungu in the 2017 election but suffered a decisive reversal five years later. In the 2022 poll, Irungu, running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, secured 113,783 votes against Muriithi’s 48,563 votes.
Muriithi, who contested the 2022 election on a Jubilee ticket under the Azimio la Umoja coalition, conceded defeat and pledged to support a smooth transition.
He now says residents have encouraged him to return to elective politics, with some telling him they need his leadership again.
“Many, many people in Laikipia tell me, ‘We hope you didn't catch feelings,’” he said, describing the messages as encouragement to make another attempt at the governor’s seat.
Muriithi’s political comeback will come amid growing interest in the position. Laikipia East MP and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has also expressed interest, while former Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru has been mentioned among possible contenders.
The former governor said his campaign would seek to bring together Laikipia’s diverse communities by shifting political debate towards economic concerns and development.
“I do not think in this day and age we should be mobilising on the basis of tribe,” he said.
Before becoming governor, Muriithi served as Laikipia West MP from 2007 to 2013 and was an Assistant Minister for Industrialisation under retired President Mwai Kibaki.
His political return will run alongside his role as KRA board chairperson, a position he assumed in January 2025.
The 2027 election will therefore give Muriithi an opportunity to reclaim the county leadership he lost in 2022 while testing whether his message of inclusive, issue-based politics can win back Laikipia voters.