NAIROBI, Kenya — Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri has joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and declared his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
Karauri was unveiled at the ruling party’s headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, November 9, by UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Announcing his decision, the lawmaker said he had joined UDA to pursue his ambition of leading Nairobi County, setting up a potential contest for the governorship ahead of next year’s elections.
“Today, I take a new political step by joining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as I pursue my ambition to serve Nairobi as Governor in 2027,” Karauri stated.
The MP, who was elected in Kasarani as an independent candidate, said his decision was partly influenced by the party’s ‘Usawa ni sawa’ policy, which he linked to the broad-based government’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable development.
He also criticised the state of Nairobi, taking aim at Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration.
“I have served the people of Kasarani as an Independent MP, and I remain grateful for their trust. Nairobi has not worked, We want a better Nairobi,” he said.
Karauri enters race after Sakaja’s UDA exit
Karauri’s entry into UDA comes a week after Sakaja announced his departure from the ruling party on November 2, signalling his intention to seek re-election as governor on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
The political developments could reshape the contest for Nairobi’s top county job, with several politicians already positioning themselves ahead of the August 2027 polls.
Among those who have expressed interest in the seat are Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria.
Also Read: Sakaja dumps UDA for ODM, sets sights on second Nairobi Governor term
Businesswoman Agnes Kagure, journalist Tony Gachoka and Makadara MP George Aladwa have also been mentioned among potential contenders.
Mosiria declared his interest after his dismissal from the Sakaja administration in October, adding another name to an increasingly crowded field of aspirants.
Karauri pledges to respect UDA nominations
Despite declaring his gubernatorial ambitions, Karauri said he would respect the outcome of UDA’s nomination process as the party prepares to select its candidates for the 2027 elections.
His position leaves open the possibility of a competitive nomination contest within the ruling party, particularly if other aspirants seek the same ticket.
Karauri rose to national prominence through his leadership of a popular betting company and its involvement in major football sponsorships.
He has also built a public profile through grassroots initiatives before entering elective politics and winning the Kasarani parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
His move to UDA now places him within the ruling party’s political machinery as he seeks to turn his Nairobi gubernatorial ambition into an electoral campaign.
