Saumu Mbuvi, the daughter of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, has formally launched her political career, officially declaring her candidacy for the Nairobi County Women Representative seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mbuvi announced her entry into competitive politics on Monday, September 21, 2026, confirming that she will seek the position on the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) ticket. By stepping into the political arena, she follows closely in the footsteps of her father, extending the Mbuvi family’s established presence in Nairobi’s high-stakes civic leadership.
In her public declaration, the aspiring politician sought to distance herself from legacy politics, framing her bid as a deliberate choice for community advocacy. “I am not stepping forward because leadership is a title,” Mbuvi stated. “I am stepping forward because leadership is a responsibility, a covenant with the people, and an opportunity to turn lived realities into meaningful action”.
Operating under the campaign banner “A New Voice for a Brighter Nairobi” and the tagline “Equal Voices. Real Opportunities. Lasting Change,” Mbuvi has outlined a four-pillar manifesto. Her primary policy priorities include education and skills development, job creation and enterprise support, health and wellbeing, and the promotion of a safer, more inclusive urban environment. She specifically highlighted the urgent need to address crippling youth unemployment and the lack of social protection networks for vulnerable households across the capital’s informal settlements.
“My vision is to contribute to a Nairobi where representation translates into results,” she noted, adding that young people must be treated as active partners in shaping the city’s future, rather than merely as seasonal voting blocs.
Mbuvi’s declaration adds her to an increasingly crowded and highly competitive field eyeing the seat currently held by ODM’s Esther Passaris. As political realignments intensify ahead of 2027, the race has already attracted several prominent figures with significant national visibility, including former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, UDA Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, and digital creator Corazon Kwamboka.
The NEDP, the political vehicle for her campaign, appears to be assembling a slate of celebrity-backed candidates for the city. Just a day after Mbuvi’s announcement, Mike Sonko unveiled dancehall musician William Karuga Kimani, popularly known as KRG The Don, as the party’s candidate for the Nairobi County Senate seat. However, the party’s leadership has firmly stated that there will be no direct nominations, insisting that all aspirants, including Mbuvi and KRG, must undergo rigorous party primaries before being cleared to contest in the general election.
With multiple high-profile personalities entering the 2027 race, will celebrity status outshine traditional grassroots campaigning in the battle for Nairobi?
