Mike Sonko Criticizes Jubilee MPs for Endorsing Eugene Wamalwa in Nairobi Governor Race
Former Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko has strongly criticized a group of Jubilee Party legislators for publicly endorsing Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa as a preferred candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.
Speaking at a public rally, Sonko maintained that while every Kenyan has a constitutional right to vie for political office, the decision on who becomes Nairobi’s governor should be left entirely to Nairobi voters rather than political endorsements from influential leaders.
Sonko: Nairobi Voters Will Decide
Addressing supporters, Sonko dismissed attempts by politicians to influence the outcome of the Nairobi gubernatorial race through endorsements.
He argued that Nairobi residents, not Members of Parliament or political elites, should determine who leads the capital city.
According to Sonko, democracy requires that candidates compete fairly and allow voters to make the final decision at the ballot box.
“The leadership of Nairobi County will be decided by Nairobi residents, not by politicians making declarations on behalf of the people,” Sonko said.
His remarks came in response to reports that several Jubilee lawmakers had backed Eugene Wamalwa for the county’s top seat.
Nairobi Belongs to All Kenyans
The former senator emphasized that Nairobi is a cosmopolitan county that represents all communities in Kenya. He noted that tribal affiliations should not influence leadership choices in the city.
Sonko stressed that Nairobi belongs to all Kenyans regardless of ethnic background and that voters should evaluate candidates based on their leadership abilities, development agenda, and vision for the city.
He further urged political leaders to avoid creating the impression that certain candidates are preferred before voters have had their say.
Eugene Wamalwa Receives Backing from Jubilee Leaders
The controversy emerged after several Jubilee legislators publicly endorsed Eugene Wamalwa’s potential bid for Nairobi governor on the party ticket.
Among those reported to have backed Wamalwa were:
- Ferdinand Waititu (Kabete)
- Kanini Kega (Kieni)
- Jude Njomo (Kiambu Town)
- Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East)
The lawmakers described Wamalwa as a strong contender capable of leading Kenya’s capital city.
Their endorsement, however, sparked debate among other aspirants seeking the Jubilee nomination.
Sonko Ready for Competitive Race
Despite criticizing the endorsements, Sonko welcomed Wamalwa and other interested candidates into the race.
He expressed confidence in his own political support base and said he was prepared to compete against any candidate seeking to govern Nairobi County.
According to Sonko, no candidate should fear competition because democratic elections provide voters with the opportunity to choose the leader they believe is best suited for the position.
He reiterated that campaigns should focus on convincing voters rather than relying on political endorsements.
Growing Competition for Nairobi Governor Seat
The Nairobi gubernatorial contest has attracted several prominent politicians seeking the influential position.
Other Jubilee Party figures who have previously expressed interest in the seat include:
- Dennis Waweru, former Dagoretti South MP
- Johnston Sakaja, nominated MP
- Margaret Wanjiru, former Starehe MP
Political analysts view Nairobi as one of Kenya’s most competitive and strategically important counties, making the race highly significant ahead of future elections.
Why Nairobi Governor Race Matters
Nairobi County remains Kenya’s economic and administrative hub, hosting millions of residents and generating a significant share of the country’s economic activity.
The governor’s office oversees critical functions including infrastructure development, healthcare services, urban planning, waste management, and revenue collection.
As political campaigns intensify, voters are expected to scrutinize candidates based on their track records, leadership credentials, and plans to address the city’s persistent challenges.
Conclusion
Mike Sonko’s criticism of Jubilee MPs highlights the growing political rivalry surrounding the Nairobi governor race. While Eugene Wamalwa’s endorsement has energized his supporters, Sonko insists that the ultimate decision rests with Nairobi residents. With several high-profile candidates expressing interest in the seat, the battle for Nairobi’s leadership is shaping up to be one of Kenya’s most closely watched political contests.
