Former Nairobi Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe formally entered the gubernatorial race on April 19, 2022, declaring his intent to seek the Jubilee Party's nomination while emphasizing his independence from political factions.
Igathe made the announcement during a televised interview on KTN News, stating, "I will be in the streets campaigning in Nairobi. I am not a project of anyone. I am the people's project." He confirmed resigning from his position at a local commercial bank to focus on the campaign.
The candidate previously served as Mike Sonko's deputy in 2017 before resigning shortly after taking office. He criticized the current political landscape, arguing Nairobi's significance demands competent leadership. "It is too big and important to be trivialized or left in the hands of incompetent people," he said.
Other contenders for the Jubilee Party ticket include billionaire Richard Ngatia and businesswoman Agnes Kagure. Igathe acknowledged their right to compete, stating, "I have not tarnished their names. I will consult them and discuss with them." Reports indicate Tim Wanyonyi of the Orange Democratic Movement will serve as his running mate, positioning them against UDA candidate Johnson Sakaja in the general election.
