Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has hinted at a possible bid for the Murang’a governor’s seat in the 2027 General Election.
Wahome, a senior member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), suggested during a local meeting over the weekend that she could enter the race, declaring that Murang’a could elect its first woman governor in the next election.
“This time round, Murang’a governor will be a woman, for work to be done,” Wahome told the gathering.
The remarks are likely to fuel speculation over her political ambitions and could set up a major contest in the county if she proceeds to formally declare her candidature.
Wahome previously served as the MP for Kandara Constituency, winning the seat in the March 2013 General Election and successfully defending it in 2017 and 2022. She later resigned from Parliament after being appointed to the Cabinet.
If she contests, Wahome is expected to face Irung'u Kang’ata, who has already positioned himself to defend his seat on a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.
Kang’ata joined DCP in July after making it clear that he would not seek re-election on a UDA ticket.
The governor has defended his decision to move to DCP, arguing that it was the most appropriate political choice because a significant section of his supporters identifies with the party.
Kang’ata said remaining outside DCP would have placed his supporters in a difficult position by forcing them to choose between supporting his re-election bid and remaining loyal to the party.
Before formally joining DCP, Kang’ata had publicly associated himself with the Linda Mwananchi movement, saying he appreciated its national outlook and youthful leadership.
He nevertheless maintained that he would eventually contest the 2027 election on a DCP ticket.
Kang’ata has also reiterated that DCP leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remains his political leader, while expressing optimism about the continued role Linda Mwananchi could play in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
The emerging contest comes as political alignments continue to shift in Murang’a and the wider Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 election.
Former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, who had also expressed interest in the gubernatorial race, recently exited the contest and said he would instead concentrate on United Opposition politics.
Wahome’s potential entry into the race could therefore reshape the political calculations in the county, particularly as parties seek to consolidate support ahead of the nominations.
Her possible candidature also comes against the backdrop of growing support for DCP in parts of the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua continues to command significant political influence, particularly in Mount Kenya West.
