Veteran journalist and KANU spokesperson Tony Gachoka has officially announced his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, joining an increasingly crowded race for control of the country’s capital.
Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, July 12, Gachoka said his decision was driven by years of observing governance failures in Nairobi, arguing that the city needs accountable leadership focused on delivering services rather than political rhetoric.
He said his administration would prioritize fighting corruption, dismantling entrenched cartels at City Hall, and ensuring prudent management of public resources.
“After years of observing the challenges facing Nairobi, I have come to the conclusion that what the city needs is accountable leadership, not politics,” Gachoka said.
Gachoka says he has consulted political leaders
The veteran broadcaster revealed that he consulted several senior political figures before declaring his bid. According to him, the discussions were aimed at building broad political support ahead of the election.
Among those he said he engaged were KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachoka claimed he had received encouraging feedback from the opposition leadership and expressed confidence that coalition partners would back his candidature.
“I have talked to Gachagua. As far as I am concerned, in the absence of Rigathi blocking me, I have the majority of the support of other coalition partners and principals. From what I have heard from Gachagua and his people, they think I am the right man for Nairobi,” he said.
Focus on corruption and accountability
Gachoka pledged to make the fight against corruption the cornerstone of his campaign, arguing that Nairobi residents deserve transparent and accountable leadership.
He said City Hall has for years been hampered by corruption, misuse of public resources, and powerful cartels that have undermined service delivery.
According to the KANU spokesperson, integrity should begin with political leaders themselves, promising to run a transparent campaign and establish an administration that prioritizes accountability and responsible use of public funds if elected.
Coalition politics will shape Nairobi race
The aspiring governor also argued that coalition politics would once again play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the Nairobi gubernatorial contest.
He maintained that no candidate can secure victory in the capital without support from multiple political formations and voting blocs, adding that building broad alliances will be key ahead of the 2027 polls.
His remarks come as political parties continue positioning themselves for the next General Election, with coalition negotiations expected to intensify over the coming months.
Race for City Hall gathers momentum
Gachoka becomes the latest high-profile figure to declare interest in succeeding or challenging Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri have already publicly expressed interest in the seat. Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has also indicated he intends to vie, while businesswoman Agnes Kagure is expected to make another attempt after her unsuccessful bid in the 2022 elections.
Governor Johnson Sakaja is widely expected to seek a second term, although he has yet to formally launch his re-election campaign.
With more than a year before the election season officially begins, Nairobi is shaping up to host one of the country’s most competitive gubernatorial contests, with governance, service delivery, infrastructure, and accountability likely to dominate campaign discussions.
Who is Tony Gachoka?
Tony Gachoka is one of Kenya’s best-known political commentators, having spent more than two decades in journalism and public affairs. He has built a reputation as a governance analyst and television host before transitioning into active politics.
He currently serves as the spokesperson of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), and his gubernatorial bid marks his most significant attempt at elective office. Gachoka says he intends to leverage his experience in governance and public policy to offer Nairobi residents an alternative leadership agenda centered on transparency, efficient service delivery, and institutional reforms.
