Former President William Ruto’s advisor Moses Kuria has ignited debate in Nairobi after signalling a hint yet of a cross-party alliance for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Kuria, who has already declared his intention to challenge Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Sunday shared a striking campaign-style graphic featuring himself alongside Makadara MP George Aladwa of the ODM party fuelling speculation about a potential unity ticket for the capital.

The artwork, boldly branded with slogans such as “Kuria–Aladwa: The Nairobi Dream Team” and “Make Nairobi Work Again (MANAWA)”, depicted Kuria as a gubernatorial candidate and Aladwa as his prospective running mate. The imagery was widely interpreted as a deliberate test balloon designed to gauge public reaction to an unlikely political pairing.

In a message accompanying the graphic, the Chama Cha Kazi leader framed the move as an effort to shift Nairobi politics away from tribal blocs and rigid party identities. He said his outreach to Aladwa was based on shared priorities, mutual understanding of Nairobi’s struggles, and a belief that the city urgently needs leadership anchored in competence.

“Not because of our tribes. Not because of our parties. Because we care for Nairobi. Because we understand what Nairobians are going through,” Kuria wrote, adding that he and Aladwa possess the networks and experience both local and international required to revitalize the capital.

The suggestion of a joint ticket comes just weeks after Kuria announced he would be on the ballot in 2027, a move he linked to President William Ruto’s public rebuke of deteriorating services in Nairobi. The President recently faulted City Hall for mismanagement, poor service delivery, and systemic governance failures.

Kuria echoed those concerns, warning that Nairobi risks losing its position as a regional economic powerhouse unless meaningful reforms take place. He also claimed that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga repeatedly urged him to step in and help rescue the city from “filth, garbage and incompetence.”
“I have heard your cry. That is why I will offer myself to be the Governor of the great County of Nairobi in 2027. I will fix Nairobi,” he stated in an earlier post.

Kuria’s entry adds intensity to what is shaping up to be a competitive and unpredictable gubernatorial race. Other hopefuls already positioning themselves include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, businesswoman Agnes Kagure, and former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera, with more candidates expected to join as the election cycle gathers pace.