Makadara MP George Aladwa has dismissed an overture from former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria to be his running mate in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race, declaring that he will instead seek the city’s top seat on an ODM ticket.
Speaking on Tuesday evening at Bidii Primary School in Buruburu, Aladwa insisted he is not interested in playing a subordinate role in the upcoming contest.
“I have said I will not be Moses Kuria’s deputy. I have firmly stated that I will be vying for the position of Governor of Nairobi on the ODM party ticket in 2027,” Aladwa affirmed.
His remarks come a day after Kuria hinted at a potential cross-party alliance when he posted a message and a picture featuring Aladwa, suggesting they could jointly offer leadership for Nairobi.
“Not because of our tribes. Not because of our parties. Because we care for Nairobi. Because we understand what Nairobians are going through,” Kuria posted, adding that their combined leadership experience and networks could help fix the capital.
But Aladwa—who served as Nairobi’s last mayor under the old constitution until March 2013—sought to clarify that he is firmly in the governor’s race and will not step aside for any coalition arrangement.
“I am not going to play second fiddle to anyone in Nairobi; that’s what I was reaffirming when I met my supporters in Buruburu,” Aladwa, who also chairs the ODM Nairobi branch, told the Star Digital on Wednesday.
His announcement raises to five the number of aspirants seeking to unseat Governor Johnson Sakaja of UDA in 2027. Others already in the race include Kuria, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya (DCP), Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (ODM), and former Transport PS Nyakera Irungu (DCP).