The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairperson Ndiritu Muriithi has officially announced his intention to make a political comeback by seeking the Laikipia governorship in the 2027 General Election.
Muriithi, who served as Laikipia governor between 2017 and 2022, made the announcement in Nyahururu on Saturday, confirming that he will contest the seat on a Reform Party of Kenya (RPK) ticket.
His decision marks his return to elective politics after losing the governorship to current Governor Joshua Irungu in the 2022 election.
Muriithi first captured the Laikipia governor’s seat in 2017 after defeating Irungu, who had served as governor from 2013 to 2017. However, the political fortunes of the two candidates were reversed five years later when Irungu reclaimed the position on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Irungu won the 2022 election with 113,783 votes, while Muriithi, who contested on a Jubilee ticket under the Azimio la Umoja coalition, garnered 48,563 votes. Muriithi conceded defeat and congratulated Irungu, promising to support a peaceful transition.
The 2027 election will now give Muriithi another opportunity to seek the county’s top office after serving a single term.
His return comes as the Laikipia gubernatorial race begins to attract several high-profile contenders seeking to succeed Irungu.
Laikipia East MP and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri announced his gubernatorial ambitions in February. Former Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru has also been mentioned among politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
Muriithi’s choice of the RPK ticket is also notable given his recent political realignment. In May, he dismissed speculation that he would join the Democratic Citizens Party associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, instead opting to align himself with RPK.
The party has positioned itself against what Muriithi has described as political balkanisation and isolationist tendencies within the Mt Kenya region.
Muriithi is making his political comeback while still serving as KRA chairperson, a position he assumed in January 2025. The tax agency lists him as chairperson of its board.
His current national leadership role adds to his political profile, having previously held positions at both county and national government levels.
Before becoming governor, Muriithi represented Laikipia West in Parliament from 2007 to 2013. He later served as Assistant Minister for Industrialisation during the administration of retired President Mwai Kibaki.
KRA says Muriithi brings more than 30 years of professional and leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. His career has included work in economic policy, financial-sector development and economic programmes, as well as involvement in the early stages of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor programme.
During his tenure as governor, Muriithi oversaw several infrastructure and economic initiatives in Laikipia. Among the projects associated with his administration were the Laikipia County Infrastructure Bond, Nanyuki Bulk Water Project, Laikipia Beef Special Purpose Vehicle and a county equipment leasing programme.
His administration also introduced reforms in the county public service and promoted programmes aimed at supporting businesses and improving the delivery of public services.
Muriithi’s political career in Laikipia has featured both significant victories and setbacks.
In 2017, he ran as an independent candidate after failing to secure the Jubilee Alliance nomination and went on to defeat incumbent governor Irungu, becoming the county’s second governor.
His political fortunes changed in 2022 when Irungu defeated him by a significant margin and returned to the governor’s office.
Irungu is now serving his second and final term and will therefore be ineligible to contest for the governorship in 2027. His impending exit has opened up a highly competitive succession battle in the county.
Muriithi’s latest bid will test whether he can rebuild the political support that carried him to victory in 2017, particularly after his decisive defeat five years later.
The contest will also provide a fresh measure of his political influence following several years away from elective politics and his transition to a senior national public-sector leadership position.
For Muriithi, the 2027 election represents an opportunity to reclaim the Laikipia governorship he lost in 2022.
