Sakaja Picks Banker Njoroge Muchiri as Running Mate

Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja addressing the press at Hermosa Gardens in Karen on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja addressing the press at Hermosa Gardens in Karen on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Kenyans.co.ke

Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Johnson Sakaja on Tuesday, April 26 settled on James Njoroge Muchiri as his running mate

A source at Sakaja's campaign team, confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that Muchiri, who has been working as the Chief Operations at a regional bank, will be unveiled this afternoon at the Deputy President's residence in Karen. 

The Sakaja-Muchiri team will be facing the Azimio duo - corporate executive Polycarp Igathe and former Kibwezi MP Prof Philip Kaloki.

Absa Bank Kenya Ltd Chief Operating Officer James Njoroge Muchiri (left) and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.jpg
Absa Bank Kenya Ltd Chief Operating Officer James Njoroge Muchiri (left) and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.
Johnson Sakaja

Muchiri was the missing piece in the puzzle in Kenya Kwanza’s Nairobi elective politics.

The lineup is now complete with Bishop Margaret Wanjiru being the senatorial flag bearer and Millicent Omanga the Woman Representative candidate.

Wanjiru and Omanga will face off with ODM Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, and Esther Passaris respectively.

otably, Muchiri had declared interest in running for the Nyandarua County governor's seat and even contested in the UDA party primaries. However, he lost to Moses Kiarie Badilisha, who enjoyed the support of Moses Kuria's Chama Cha Kazi.

He has an illustrious banking career, serving as the Director of technology and operations in two regional banks in Tanzania and Botswana. 

The COO is an alumnus of Alliance High and Mang'u High Schools and holds a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Muchiri is known for his philanthropy as the founder and patron of the Njoroge Muchiri Foundation - a non-profit entity that champions social and economic transformation for residents of Nakuru, Kiambu, Laikipia and Nyeri counties.

Sakaja's move comes in the wake of an earlier deadline (April 28) set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for presidential and gubernatorial candidates to submit the names of their running mates. 

However, after holding a consultative meeting with officials from the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition, Kenya Kwanza alliance, Safina party and independent candidates, IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati extended the deadline to May 16.

Nonetheless, the deadline for senatorial, parliamentary, woman representative and Members of the County Assembly aspirants remains Thursday, April 28.

b
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati addresses the media at a press conference in August 2021
File
  • .