Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has relieved Geoffrey Mosiria of his duties as Chief Officer for Public Participation, Citizen Engagement, and Customer Service during a cabinet reshuffle at City Hall. The changes were announced by Nairobi County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr. Machel Waikenda on Wednesday. Zipporah Mwangi has been designated to oversee Mosiria's former docket in an acting capacity, while retaining her role as Chief Officer for City Culture, Arts, and Tourism.
The restructuring brings changes to other key sectors, with Eng. Samwel Njogu stepping in as acting Chief Officer for Mobility, and Housing and Urban Renewal Chief Officer Godfrey Akumali assuming additional responsibilities as acting Chief Officer for Lands. According to an official directive dated October 21, 2026, signed by Dr. Waikenda, Governor Sakaja approved all reassignments pursuant to county governance frameworks. The changes take effect immediately.
Mosiria's dismissal comes barely ten days after he publicly announced his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 General Election, placing him in direct political competition with Sakaja. On October 11, Mosiria declared his bid during a visit by Jubilee Party leaders to Bishop Margaret Wanjiru's Jesus Is Alive Ministries Church in Nairobi, where he pitched a joint ticket with Wanjiru.
Mosiria cited his track record across multiple municipal portfolios as he defended his readiness to helm the capital. He previously served as Chief Officer for Health Facilities before being reassigned to Environment in August 2024 and later transitioning to Public Participation, Citizen Engagement, and Customer Service in November 2025. Mosiria joins a growing roster of high-profile candidates seeking the top seat at City Hall in 2027.
Following the announcement on Wednesday, October 21, Mosiria issued a scathing statement claiming the reshuffle merely formalized a decision Sakaja made back in 2023. He alleged that the governor stripped him of his mandate in December of that year, reassigning accounting responsibilities to junior officers. Mosiria detailed sustained humiliation, public and private attacks, and work-related hurdles during his tenure.
Mosiria noted that despite attempts to seek reconciliation since December 2023, the governor blocked direct communication and ignored his grievances. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nairobi and reaffirmed his unwavering resolve to challenge Sakaja at the ballot box in 2027. Mosiria joins other contenders, including Members of Parliament Babu Owino, James Gakuya, and Ronald Karauri, alongside businesswoman Agnes Kagure.
The abrupt exit and Mosiria's subsequent statement have sparked interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial race, with many residents and Kenyans keenly following the developments. Mosiria's resolve to challenge Sakaja in 2027 has been met with enthusiasm from some quarters, with his supporters terming him "Mr. Fix-it" for his perceived ability to transform the city.
Key points
- Mosiria relieved of duties as Chief Officer amid cabinet reshuffle
- Mosiria announces 2027 gubernatorial bid, competing with Sakaja
- Mosiria alleges Sakaja stripped him of mandate in 2023, leading to sustained humiliation and work-related hurdles
