Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has endorsed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, Passaris said Governor Johnson Sakaja’s decision to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) did not guarantee him re-election, arguing that Nairobi residents would ultimately determine who leads the county.
Passaris criticised the state of county leadership, claiming President William Ruto had effectively taken on the role of Nairobi’s governor by stepping in to address issues that should have been handled by the county administration.
Passaris Declares Support for Ruku in Nairobi Gubernatorial Race. Photo: Courtesy.
She called for a hands-on and decisive leader capable of improving service delivery and addressing the city’s challenges.
The Woman Representative praised Ruku’s leadership in handling special programmes and disaster response, saying his energy, decisiveness and practical approach to leadership made him a suitable candidate for the Nairobi governorship.
Passaris also revealed that she had previously aspired to become Nairobi’s mayor in 2007, although the ambition did not materialise. She said her commitment to the city and its residents remained strong.
The legislator openly declared that she would vote for Ruku if the election were held today, while emphasising that the 2027 contest remained open and that no candidate could claim ownership of Nairobi.
She further called on aspiring leaders to earn voters’ support through their promises and remain accountable to residents.
Passaris noted that effective leadership in Nairobi would benefit both President Ruto’s administration and Kenyans who depend on the capital, adding that the best candidate should emerge victorious in the upcoming election.
