Saumu Mbuvi, daughter of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, has officially joined the growing contest for the Nairobi County Woman Representative seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Saumu announced her candidature on Monday, September 21, 2026, saying she will contest the seat on the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) ticket.
Her entry adds another prominent name to an already crowded political contest in Nairobi.
Saumu explains why she wants the seat
In announcing her political ambitions, Saumu framed her decision around public service rather than political status.
She said she was stepping forward because leadership should be viewed as a responsibility and an opportunity to address challenges affecting ordinary Nairobi residents.
“I am not stepping forward because leadership is a title. I am stepping forward because leadership is a responsibility, a covenant with the people, and an opportunity to turn lived realities into meaningful action.”
Her campaign is operating under the banner “A New Voice for a Brighter Nairobi”, accompanied by the message “Equal Voices. Real Opportunities. Lasting Change.”
Saumu has identified four broad areas that she intends to prioritise if elected: education and skills development, employment and enterprise, health and wellbeing, and safety and inclusion.
She particularly highlighted the challenges facing young people and women in Nairobi, saying she wants to support women entrepreneurs while creating more opportunities for young people to acquire skills and find decent employment.
Sonko’s daughter enters crowded Nairobi contest
Saumu’s declaration comes at a time when the Nairobi Woman Representative race is attracting several high-profile politicians.
Among those who have expressed interest in the position are nominated senators Karen Nyamu and Tabitha Mutinda, former nominated senator Millicent Omanga, and businesswoman and pilot Faith Nguthu.
Crystal Asige has also been mentioned in connection with the contest.
The incumbent, Esther Passaris, has also said she will defend her seat in the 2027 election after previously indicating that she would leave the position.
Passaris has held the Nairobi Woman Representative seat since 2017.
This means Saumu is entering a contest involving politicians with established networks and national visibility, as well as newcomers seeking to establish themselves in elective politics.
Saumu follows family into politics
Saumu’s decision also places another member of the Mbuvi family in Nairobi’s political arena.
Her father, Mike Sonko, served as Nairobi governor from 2017 until his removal from office in 2020 following an impeachment process.
Before becoming governor, Sonko represented Makadara in Parliament and later served as senator for Nairobi.
Earlier in 2026, another of Sonko’s daughters, Sandra Mbuvi, announced plans to contest the Kitusuru MCA seat in the 2027 elections.
Sandra unveiled her political ambitions on the NEDP platform and listed youth empowerment, education, healthcare, security and transparent leadership among her priorities.
Saumu’s decision therefore represents another step by the Mbuvi family into elective politics ahead of the 2027 polls.
Focus on women and young people
For Saumu, the Nairobi Woman Representative position would provide an opportunity to focus on issues affecting women, girls and vulnerable families.
She has spoken about improving access to education and skills, expanding economic opportunities for women, addressing youth unemployment and strengthening social support systems.
She also said young people should be treated as partners in shaping Nairobi’s future rather than merely as voters during election campaigns.
Her agenda comes against the backdrop of Nairobi’s large and youthful population, where employment, affordable healthcare, education, business opportunities and security remain prominent issues in public discussions.
Nairobi political activity gathers pace
Saumu’s announcement is part of a wider increase in political activity as Kenya moves closer to the August 2027 General Election.
Across Nairobi, politicians are already positioning themselves for parliamentary, county assembly and gubernatorial contests, with parties and aspirants beginning to build grassroots networks.
The Woman Representative contest is particularly notable because the seat has attracted several nationally recognisable figures.
A September 2026 Bobea Report poll reported support levels for several aspirants, although polling at this stage reflects a snapshot of respondents and should not be treated as an election result.
With Saumu now officially entering the race, Nairobi voters are likely to see more attention on the competing agendas, party tickets and grassroots campaigns of the various aspirants as the 2027 election approaches.
For Saumu, the challenge will be to translate her family name and campaign message into a distinct political identity centred on the issues she has identified, particularly women’s economic empowerment, youth opportunities, healthcare, education and safer communities.
Her formal declaration has therefore added another dimension to what is shaping up to be a closely watched Nairobi Woman Representative contest in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
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