Former IPOA Chair Macharia Njeru enters 2027 presidential race

Former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairman Macharia Njeru has declared his intention to contest for the country’s presidency in the 2027 General Election.

Njeru, a renowned constitutional lawyer, will vie for the seat on a Mwongozo Mpya Party (MMP) ticket, pledging to bring changes to the country’s political, economic and leadership landscape.

Speaking in Ol-Kalou town, Nyandarua County, on the sidelines of a grassroots sensitisation forum, Njeru, who also leads the MMP, said the party would join the opposition in seeking to oust President William Ruto at the polls.

He said the party had faced challenges securing registration but was now ready to field candidates for all elective positions across the country.

“Tumesajiliwa juzi sababu serikali ilikuwa imekataa kutupatia cheti; ilibidi twende kortini ndipo ikawalazimisha watupee hicho cheti,” he said.

“Next year nitawania kiti cha urais, nikiwa Mwongozo Mpya Party candidate. Na mbali na hayo tutasimamisha MPs, Senators, MCAs, Governors and Woman Rep in every county because we want a Mwongozo Mpya leadership."

Njeru pointed out that the party would work with like-minded opposition leaders but maintained that any political alliance must be anchored on shared ideas and an economic agenda rather than the pursuit of power alone.

The former Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Vice Chair said he opposed Ruto’s leadership even before his election as president, claiming he had doubts about his ability to lead despite his popularity.

Njeru also accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to address key challenges facing the country, including those affecting education, healthcare and agriculture.

“Our goal is to solve the current issues because Ruto’s regime imeharibu nchi. Kuna shida kwenye hospitali, shule, ukulima, usalama, maji pia hakuna, vijana hawana kazi na shida nyingi. Ufisadi na kutotii sharia kuanzia kiongozi mwenyewe ni tatizo kubwa pia,” he said.

Njeru joins a growing list of individuals who have expressed interest in contesting the presidency as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.