Joel Maina Kairu: The Man Poised to Shake Nakuru’s Political Landscape in 2027
Joel Maina Kairu has steadily grown into a household name in Nakuru County politics. Known simply as Kairu among locals, he is now setting his sights on the county’s top seat in a bold mission to unseat the incumbent Governor Susan Kihika in the 2027 general elections.
Kairu is no stranger to Nakuru’s political and administrative circles. Popularly known as Kairu the 4th by Nakuru residents, His public service career dates back to the formative years of devolution when he served as the Chief Executive in charge of Roads and Infrastructure in the first county government between 2013 and 2017. During his tenure, he earned recognition for spearheading key infrastructure projects that helped shape the face of Nakuru’s road network and improve urban mobility.
His leadership journey continued when he was elected as the second Speaker of the Nakuru County Assembly, succeeding the current governor, Susan Kihika. In that role, Kairu was instrumental in strengthening legislative oversight and promoting good governance within the county, further cementing his reputation as a pragmatic and experienced political figure.
In the 2022 general elections, Kairu made his first attempt at elective politics by contesting for the Nakuru Town East Parliamentary seat under the Jubilee Party, which was part of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition. Though he narrowly lost, finishing second in what was one of the most competitive races in the region, his campaign helped build his visibility and grassroots support across the county.
Kairu’s close association with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, the leader of the Jubilee Party, has also attracted attention. Sources indicate that Kairu has been holding private discussions with Kenyatta as he positions himself strategically for the upcoming gubernatorial contest. Political analysts believe that such an alliance could strengthen Jubilee’s presence in Nakuru and provide Kairu with both financial and structural backing as he seeks to challenge the incumbent.
The 2027 Nakuru gubernatorial race is already shaping up to be a three-horse contest. Kairu will be facing Governor Susan Kihika, who will be defending her seat, and CPA Geoffrey Mwangi of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP). Each of the three aspirants commands a distinct support base, setting the stage for an intense and highly competitive race.
As political temperatures continue to rise, Kairu’s experience in governance, his well-established networks, and his ties with influential national figures could make him a formidable challenger in Nakuru’s political landscape. Whether his bid will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, Joel Maina Kairu’s entry into the 2027 race has injected new energy and intrigue into Nakuru’s politics.