Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has officially entered the race for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Njiru during a bursary issuance event, the lawmaker confirmed his intention to seek the county’s top job, seeking the blessing of his constituents to move beyond the constituency level.
“In 2027, I will be there asking for the Governor’s seat,” Karauri told the cheering crowd in Swahili. “People of Kasarani, have you accepted that I go for it? Have you granted me permission?”
The MP asserted that he would not let his supporters down, emphasising that his political journey relies entirely on their backing.
“With you, I know we will go until the end. If God says that is the journey we are taking, no one can stop it,” he added.
The announcement sparked immediate debate on social media.
Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri joins the Nairobi County Gubernatorial seat race. pic.twitter.com/0ESMiFAN7F
— Don Teya (@TeyaKev) February 22, 2026
On X, some users analysed his prospects against potential rivals like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
“Think he’d easily win Senate as Sifuna is likely exiting and Babu has a very strong support for Gov. He’s easily beating Jalas, no?” one user, Lord Buko, commented.
Others were more sceptical.
“Ronald Karauri for Governor? KOT wamekwisha tabiri ‘ataanguka na katikati ya kichwa’. Hii ni market ya maneno, ama ni kujaribu tu?” wrote one.
Karauri, popularly known as “Captain,” was elected as an independent candidate for Kasarani in 2022. Before entering politics, he gained prominence as a pilot for Kenya Airways and later as the CEO of the gaming firm SportPesa.
His declaration comes amidst recent headlines involving a disturbing scandal.
Earlier this month, he made waves by offering a Sh10 million challenge to Edgar Obare to produce an alleged compromising video, which the MP dismissed as a fabricated attempt at extortion.
Karauri maintained that such allegations are politically motivated distractions as the country enters a high-stakes election cycle.
