Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has ended her bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, opting instead to campaign for a senatorial position under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This decision, disclosed by Deputy President William Ruto on April 9, positions her as a key supporter of Senator Johnson Sakaja's gubernatorial campaign.
Ruto highlighted Wanjiru's strategic move during a meeting with Kenya Kwanza alliance officials, stating she chose to prioritize the alliance's broader objectives by abandoning her gubernatorial aspirations. The 2017 candidate will now focus on securing the Nairobi senatorial nomination, a shift mirroring past political realignments within the coalition.
The Kenya Kwanza team is finalizing selections for deputy governor and woman representative roles. Other potential senatorial contenders, including Karen Nyamu and Rufftone, have also withdrawn to endorse Sakaja and Wanjiru's campaigns. This follows a pattern seen in 2021 when Boni Khalwale stepped aside to support Cleophas Malala in Kakamega, later securing a senatorial nomination.
Ruto emphasized Sakaja's commitment to addressing Nairobi's challenges, home to over four million residents. Wanjiru's exit from the gubernatorial race marks a significant adjustment in the alliance's candidate strategy ahead of the upcoming elections.
