Inside Nakuru's 2027 Senate Race: Experience, Influence and the Rise of a New Generation

Nakuru County’s Senate race for the 2027 General Election is already heating up as one of the most-watched contests in the Rift Valley.

With Governor Susan Kihika having vacated the Senate seat to lead the county, several political players are vying to fill the gap. The field features experienced politicians with strong legal and administrative backgrounds alongside young aspirants keen to bring new leadership.

Kinuthia Mbugua is recognized as the frontrunner. The first Governor of Nakuru County, former Nakuru Town MP and Head of Public Service, Mbugua brings deep experience in both county and national government. His long career as a public servant and politician has equipped him with unmatched institutional knowledge.

Recently seen alongside leaders such as Former Governor Lee Kinyanjui at public events, he has re-entered politics, strengthening his position and sending a clear signal to rivals.

Close behind is Hon. David Gikaria, the long-serving Nakuru Town East MP running on the UDA ticket with powerful backing from Governor Susan Kihika as reported by local media. Gikaria enjoys wide grassroots support built over years of approachable leadership and visible development work.

The contest also includes  Dr. Peter Mbae, a former member of the County Assembly (MCA), who is contesting the seat on the ticket of the democratic Congress Party (DCP). Mbae is building support across the county by focusing on grassroots, and he is also drawing from his experience at the devolved level of governance.

The DCP candidate, Wakili Lawrence Karanja a renowned lawyer and former Chief Administrative Secretary, is also supporting the party. His campaign highlights policy-driven leadership, accountability, and efficient administration, which are expected to attract voters seeking effective governance and institutions.

A candidate from outside the parties, Wakili Asab Chin Cheruiyot a member of the legal profession, is contesting to give the voters an alternative to the traditional party structures. The Independent candidate's campaign also focuses on independent leadership, accountability, and representing the interests of the Nakuru people free from partisan influence.

Bringing fresh energy to the contest, Moses Mbugua Kimata a young activist from Elburgon Ward, is a member of Gen Z, and his campaign aims to mobilise young voters on issues such as jobs, business start-ups, education, and inclusive development. As younger voters increasingly influence Kenyan politics, Kimata hopes to win them over with his campaign.

The Senate elections in Nakuru symbolise the nationwide shift, in which seasoned leaders are being challenged by newcomers who promise to introduce new ideas and different leadership methods. Besides, it is also a reflection of the confrontation between the traditional political parties and the independent candidates who are trying to connect directly with a wider electorate. ​‍​‌‍​‍‌

With campaigns set to intensify, party nominations, endorsements, grassroots mobilisation and debates on development will shape the outcome. Governor Susan Kihika’s influence and the performance of the current county administration are also expected to sway voter opinion.

Contenders for Nakuru Senatorial Seat (2027)

The battle for Nakuru’s Senate seat is shaping up as a contest between experience, political influence and emerging leadership. With high-profile candidates already active on the ground, it promises to be one of the county’s defining political contests ahead of the 2027 General Election.