Moses Kuria plots return to Parliament in 2027 elections

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria during an interview with Citizen TV on April 22, 2026/SCREENGRAB

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced plans to return to elective politics, revealing that he will contest for the Gatundu South parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Kuria said his decision to vie for the seat he once held is deliberate and marks the beginning of a calculated political roadmap aimed at rebuilding his grassroots support before launching a national campaign.

“I want to have fun; I’m going to vie for the Gatundu South MP seat where it all began,” Kuria said.

Kuria previously served as the Gatundu South MP for about eight years. He first entered Parliament in 2014 through a by-election following the death of Jossy Ngugi and was later re-elected in 2017. However, he vacated the seat in 2022 to contest the Kiambu gubernatorial race, which he lost. Gabriel Kagombe currently represents the constituency.

In the interview, Kuria emphasised that his return to Parliament is not merely about reclaiming a political seat but is part of a long-term plan tied to his presidential ambitions.

He confirmed that he has joined the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing its national reach as a key factor in his decision.

“Right now, I have joined the UDA party because I will be running for president in 2032,” he stated. “For me to do that, UDA provides a better value proposition because of its national reach. Gatundu people are great, but they can't make me president alone.”

Kuria also weighed in on the political direction of the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the region would soon consolidate behind a preferred candidate.

“I believe that by April next year, Mt Kenya will make its decision,” he said.

On potential running mate dynamics within UDA, Kuria suggested that several figures remain in contention, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, and Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga.

He noted that while each has a “mathematical chance", their prospects vary. Kindiki may be retained; he has a mathematical chance of being retained. "Maybe maybe not,” Kuria said. “Oburu has a mathematical chance to be DP. He also wants power.”

He was more dismissive of the chances of Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, saying the former Mombasa governor is unlikely to emerge as a running mate.

"Joho has two chances of being a running mate, slim and none,” he remarked.

Kuria also addressed leadership dynamics within the Mt Kenya region, drawing comparisons between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He argued that political influence cannot simply be declared but must be earned and recognised by the people.