Gakuo launches bid for Nairobi Governor
Former Nairobi town clerks Philip Kisia (left) and Mr John Gakuo at a past function in City Hall, Nairobi. Mr Kisia and Mr Gakuo are both in the race for Nairobi governorship. Photo/FILE
What you need to know:
- Former Nairobi Town Clerk John Gakuo has launched bid for Governor
- Mr Gakuo left City Hall in 2009
Former Nairobi Town Clerk, John Gakuo on Monday launched his bid for Governor of Nairobi County with a promise to restore lost glory and build a 21st century city.
While addressing supporters mainly consisting of Nairobi City Council (NCC) workers who had gathered at Charter Hall, Mr Gakuo said that his experience of managing the city makes him the best candidate for the position.
“My four years experience in the management of this city taught me that with sheer determination, focus and passion this city can be transformed beyond the expectations of many people,” he said.
He urged Nairobi residents to judge him with the work he did while at the helm of City Hall urging them to give him a five-year term in order to finish what he had started.
“The objective of any serious manager or governor should not be to merely restore the lost glory of this city but to invariably surpass the goals of 1960s and 70s and build a modern city of the 21 century,” Mr Gakuo added.
However, he did not reveal which party he would use in the race, leaving his supporters guessing.
ODM party supporter Ibrahim Ahmed aka Johnnie discouraged him from being an independent candidate, saying that such candidates will have less chances of winning in the elections.
NCC workers praised Mr Gakuo for transforming the city and championing for their welfare during his tenure as the city's town clerk.
Mr Gakuo, who left City Hall in 2009 was hailed for restoring the city’s glory by dealing with the issue of dumping and leading in its beautification.
He was also praised for having worked to rid the CBD of hawkers.
The launch was attended by ODM party supporters who pledged to vote for Gakuo despite party affilitiations.
Last week, Starehe MP who is also the Housing Assistant Minister, Margret Wanjiru, launched her bid for the Nairobi governorship on an ODM ticket.
Other aspirants who are eying the seat are Nairobi Central Business District Association chairman Timothy Muriuki, Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu, Investment banker Jimnah Mbaru and Joe Mwangi Symonn, who ran for the Governor position in California, US in 2010.
Others are former Mumias Sugar Company Managing Director, Dr Evans Kidero, former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia.
