Curse of one-term: Seven governors under pressure to retain seats
Since the 2013 polls, voters in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Meru, Taita Taveta, Nyandarua and Isiolo counties have never re-elected their governors...
✨ Key Highlights
Seven Kenyan governors elected in 2022 are facing significant pressure to retain their seats in the upcoming 2027 elections, potentially becoming victims of a "curse of one-term governorships" seen since 2013.
- Governors in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Meru, Taita Taveta, Nyandarua, and Isiolo counties are at risk.
- Notable potential challengers include Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui in Nakuru and MP Babu Owino for the Nairobi governor's seat.
- The trend has led to frequent leadership changes, which governors like Johnson Sakaja argue has stalled development due to the interruption of projects.
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Court Upholds Auction of Tuju's Tamarind Karen and Dari Business Park - May 2026
The High Court has upheld the auction of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju's properties, Tamarind Karen and Dari Business Park, to recover a loan owed to East Africa Development Bank (EADB). The sale was finalized in 2024. Separately, seven Kenyan governors elected in 2022 are facing significant pressure to retain their seats in the 2027 elections, potentially becoming victims of a curse of one-term governorships seen since 2013. At the same time, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is preparing for a contest for the vacant parliamentary seat in Ol Kalou, following the death of David Kiaraho, with both Gachagua and Kuria expected to compete.
