I’ll vie for Presidency in 2027- Ex-governor Wa Iria

Former Murang’a County Governor Mwangi wa Iria has formally declared his intent to contest the presidency in 2027, committing to a nationwide campaign and signalling readiness to scale up mobilisation efforts. Despite being disqualified by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in his last attempt due to insufficient supporters’ signatures, wa Iria said he is already preparing to overcome past obstacles by gathering far more extensive backing.
Wa Iria, leader of the Usawa Kwa Wote party, reflected on the previous election where his bid was dismissed for failing to meet the 20,000-signature threshold. He stated: In 2027, I will give them 15 million signatures. I will take them there with lorries, while speaking from Kabati in Murang’a County. He also emphasised that although his recent campaign was aligned publicly with the broader opposition coalition, he remains committed to forging his own path via his party.
Additionally, wa Iria highlighted his concern that his Mt Kenya region risks being sidelined and said he will not remain passive while his community is relegated to political oblivion.
Political observers note that wa Iria’s announcement adds another layer to the evolving 2027 presidential field, especially among aspirants from Mt Kenya and smaller parties seeking to challenge the entrenched major coalitions. His rallying around large-scale signatures signals a shift toward mass mobilisation tactics rather than merely regional endorsements. How his campaign infrastructure develops, whether he can translate regional clout into national reach, and how he positions his platform amid dominant party vehicles will be critical in the months ahead.
Looking forward, wa Iria’s entry means that the 2027 race could feature more voices outside the traditional major-party clashes. For the Usawa Kwa Wote party to play a meaningful role, it must build organisation across counties, develop a unifying message beyond regional base, and navigate Kenya’s coalition dynamics. If successful, wa Iria might diversify the candidate pool and alter vote-block calculations; if not, his bid may reinforce the dominance of larger parties he seeks to disrupt.