The Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Alice Wahome, has hinted at plans to contest the Murang’a gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
Wahome made the remarks on Sunday, August 9, while addressing congregants during a Thanksgiving Service at Gaichanjiru Catholic Parish in Murang’a, an event attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
In her address, Wahome suggested that Murang’a could elect a woman as governor in 2027, appearing to signal her interest in challenging for the county’s top seat.
“Once 2027 comes, there will be so many elective seats available that my comrades and I will be willing to go for. This time round, the Governor of Murang’a County must be a woman; it is high time,” stated CS Wahome.
She further hinted that she could be among those seeking the county’s top position, while noting that former Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege had also entered the race.
“I will come back for us to talk. All seats will be vacant in 2027. Sabina Chege has also joined the race. We are many. All the seats will be open. Or you tell me to go for the top seat?” she posed.
If Wahome officially declares her bid, she will face incumbent Governor Irung’u Kang’ata, who has already announced plans to defend his position under the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Before her appointment to Cabinet, Wahome served as the Member of Parliament for Kandara Constituency from 2013 to 2017. She has since called on her supporters to rally behind her once she formally announces her political ambitions.
Her latest remarks come as the Murang’a gubernatorial race undergoes a reshuffle following the withdrawal of former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau. Kamau had previously expressed interest in the governor’s seat but later announced that he would concentrate on United Opposition politics.
Days after announcing his political shift, Kamau was appointed Wiper Party chairman, effectively removing him from the contest for Murang’a governor.
Wahome could, however, face a difficult task in unseating Kang’ata, who was ranked Kenya’s best-performing governor in the August 2026 Infotrak CountyTrak Performance Index.
Kang’ata topped the ranking with an approval rating of 80 per cent. The assessment considered factors including management of public funds, fulfilment of campaign pledges, transparency and implementation of development projects.
Despite his overall performance, Murang’a County received a 47 per cent rating on public fund management.
Wahome’s potential entry into the race adds her to a growing list of Cabinet Secretaries allied to President William Ruto who are positioning themselves for elective politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Investments, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui is eyeing a political comeback in Nakuru, while Defence CS Soipan Tuya has been linked to a bid for the Narok gubernatorial seat.
Tourism CS Rebecca Miano has also signalled interest in an elective position, although she has yet to specify the seat she intends to pursue.
ICT CS William Kabogo, a former Kiambu governor, is reportedly considering a return to the county’s political leadership race.
Meanwhile, Mining and Blue Economy CS Ali Hassan Joho is weighing a strategic exit from Cabinet ahead of a high-stakes elective bid, while Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya is also preparing for a political comeback.
Labour CS Dr Alfred Mutua is similarly strategising around a possible return to elective politics in 2027.
