NAIROBI, Kenya — Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has pledged to support Bishop Margaret Wanjiru’s bid for Nairobi governor in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for another contest against incumbent Johnson Sakaja.
Matiang’i made the announcement on Sunday during a church service at Jesus Is Alive Ministries in Nairobi, where he also condemned a disruption by a group of youths.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary said he was ready to support Wanjiru as she campaigns across the capital to build support for her gubernatorial ambitions.
“Wewe unajua hii safari ya Nairobi mimi nataka kuskushika mkono na pia ndio utanionyesha vuka Barabara hii unipeleke round ukinionyesha,” Matiang’i said.
He also suggested that Wanjiru’s political networks in Nairobi could help strengthen his own support in the capital as he pursues his presidential ambitions in 2027.
Wanjiru Maintains She Will Contest for Governor
Wanjiru, a former Starehe MP, prayed for Matiang’i during the service and offered blessings for his political ambitions.
The visit marked the second time the Jubilee Party leader had attended a service at her church. During an earlier engagement, Wanjiru reaffirmed her intention to contest the Nairobi governor’s seat.
She has said she plans to run on the Kenya Moja ticket and remains determined to pursue the position despite previous unsuccessful attempts.
Her bid comes as several political figures position themselves to challenge Sakaja in the next general election.
Matiang’i Condemns Church Service Disruption
During the service, Matiang’i criticised the heckling that briefly interrupted the proceedings, calling for discipline and respect for religious gatherings.
He blamed what he described as poor leadership for allowing groups to disrupt meetings and create insecurity.
“I am very firm, and a believer in discipline and order. This behaviour you are seeing here, some of it engineered by leaders of Nairobi,” he said.
Matiang’i maintained that churches should be allowed to conduct services without intimidation or interference.
“The Church should be respected. This country needs firm leadership and follows the law the way it is supposed. We can’t accept such actions of heckling because we want a free country where people do what they are supposed to do,” he said.
He added that church leaders and worshippers should be able to conduct their activities according to plan.
“If Bishop Wanjiru comes here to preach with her choir, she should have the freedom to do so according to her plans,” he said.
The former Cabinet Secretary further linked the disruption to concerns about leadership and public security.
“It is bad leadership that allows goons to come and disrupt meetings and also cause insecurity that needs to change,” Matiang’i said.
Matiang’i Calls for Unity Ahead of 2027
Matiang’i urged Kenyans to unite, expressing confidence that collective action could help bring about the leadership changes he was advocating.
“When we unite, I believe we shall change this country and get good leadership. We are better than this, and we can do better than this,” he said.
He said he had attended the service to join other worshippers in praying for God's guidance, wisdom and blessings upon Kenya and its people.
Nairobi Governor Race Takes Shape
Wanjiru’s announcement adds to the growing list of politicians seeking to challenge Sakaja in the 2027 General Election.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has expressed confidence in his own gubernatorial ambitions, saying he believes he is well placed to lead Nairobi County.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has also declared interest in the seat and has begun countywide campaigns to popularise his candidature.
KANU politician Tony Gachoka is another aspirant seeking the position and has presented himself as a preferred choice for Nairobi residents.
Sakaja, meanwhile, has defended his record and expressed confidence that he will become the first Nairobi governor to serve two consecutive terms.
As the election approaches, the aspirants are expected to intensify efforts to strengthen political alliances, expand their networks and mobilise support across the capital.
