As Kenya prepares for the August 2027 general election, 17 governors completing their second terms are planning their next political steps. Some are eyeing Senate seats, while others are considering top government positions or retirement from elective politics. However, their plans may be complicated by a proposed constitutional amendment bill. The bill, introduced by Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, seeks to bar outgoing governors from contesting Senate or county assembly seats for at least five years.
The proposed bill, known as the 2026 Constitutional Amendment Bill, aims to prevent governors from immediately joining institutions that investigate the use of public funds and governance. This move is intended to allow these institutions to scrutinize the leaders' actions without potential conflicts of interest. Among the governors planning their next moves are Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir, Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi, and Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga. Abdullahi has announced his intention to run for the Senate seat in Wajir, while Njuki is eyeing the Senate seat currently held by Mwenda Gataya.
Anne Waiguru has expressed interest in becoming the Deputy President in 2027, citing her experience as a senior public servant, cabinet minister, governor, and chair of the Council of Governors. Joseph ole Lenku of Kajiado is also planning his next move, but faces challenges due to disagreements with his party, ODM, over candidate selection. Lenku has stated that he is willing to leave ODM if the party continues to marginalize him. Other governors, such as Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri, are considering Senate bids, citing their experience in leading counties.
Kahiga believes that his decade-long experience as a county leader will enable him to advocate for devolution and push back against national government interference in county matters. Some governors are also planning to support their allies to maintain influence after leaving office. For example, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama is eyeing a Senate seat and has endorsed Senator Abdulkadir Haji to succeed him as governor. Similarly, Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana is considering a Senate bid and has proposed Galole MP Said Hiribae as his successor.
Not all governors plan to continue in elective politics. Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo have stated that they will not pursue further elective positions. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu is still consulting on whether to run for the Senate or influence politics from outside Parliament. The proposed constitutional amendment bill has sparked debate, with some arguing that it unfairly targets governors and others seeing it as a necessary measure to prevent conflicts of interest.
Senator Murango's bill seeks to amend the Constitution and the Elections Act to bar serving or outgoing governors from contesting Senate and county assembly seats within five years of their term. The senator argues that this period will allow institutions to investigate questions about leadership and use of public funds without potential conflicts of interest. However, some governors, including Kahiga, have opposed the proposal, arguing that it vilifies governors by assuming they have all engaged in wrongdoing.
The bill awaits its second reading in the Senate, with opponents arguing that it could deny governors the right to participate in elections and contest public offices. The proposed amendment has significant implications for the 2027 general election, as it could affect the political careers of several prominent governors. As the election approaches, Kenyan politics is set to become increasingly dynamic, with various leaders jostling for position.
Key points
- A proposed constitutional amendment bill seeks to bar outgoing governors from contesting Senate or county assembly seats for at least five years.
- 17 Kenyan governors are planning their next political steps as the 2027 general election approaches.
- The proposed bill has sparked debate, with some arguing that it unfairly targets governors and others seeing it as a necessary measure to prevent conflicts of interest.
