Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri to Challenge for Nairobi Governor on UDA Ticket

Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri has officially joined the United Democratic Alliance, as he looks to challenge for the Nairobi Governor seat in 2027 under the ruling party.  

The lawmaker was officially unveiled as a new UDA member on Monday, November 9, in Nairobi, where he confirmed his intentions to contest for the Nairobi top job on a UDA ticket. 

“Today, I take a new political step by joining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as I pursue my ambition to serve Nairobi as Governor in 2027," Karauri stated.

He was unveiled at the Nairobi UDA headquarters by the party's Secretary General Hassan Omar and the Leader of the Majority of the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung'wa.

The lawmaker partly attributed his move to UDA to the party's 'Usawa ni sawa' policy of the broad-based government ensures that every citizen matters, every voice counts, and every ward deserves attention.

Karauri, who won the Kasarani seat as an independent candidate, took a swipe at incumbent governor Johnson Sakaja, accusing the county boss of failing the city. 

"I have served the people of Kasarani as an Independent MP, and I remain grateful for their trust. Nairobi has not worked, We want a better Nairobi," he declared.

His move to UDA comes days after Governor Sakaja left UDA on November 2, 2026, announcing plans to defend his gubernatorial seat on an alternative party ticket, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Karauri has built a strong following among Kenyan youth through his popular betting company, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), major football sponsorships and grassroots initiatives, before venturing into politics as Kasarani MP.

Besides Governor Sakaja, Karauri will be facing off with other opponents including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, his Embakasi North counterpart James Gakuya and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku.

Interestingly, former Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria also declared interest in the Nairobi top job after his dismissal by Sakaja in October. 

Other reported aspirants include businesswoman Agnes Kagure, veteran journalist Tony Gachoka and Makadara MP George Aladwa and former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geofrey Mosiria.

Despite being unveiled as a UDA aspirant for a Nairobi seat, Karauri reiterated that he would respect the outcome of the party primaries ahead of the August 2027 polls.