Tana River governor Dhadho Godhana enters 2027 State House race

By  David Muchui

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

• Governor Godhana said he would vie for the country’s top office through the Federal Party of Kenya.
• He said his bid is inspired by the need to unite Kenyans and save the country from sliding into chaos.

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has declared his presidential bid for the 2027 General Election, joining a growing list of politicians seeking to unseat President William Ruto.

Mr Godhana, who had previously expressed interest in contesting the Tana River senatorial seat, said he would vie for the country’s top office through the Federal Party of Kenya.

Speaking when he met Njuri Ncheke elders in Meru County on Saturday, Governor Godhana said his bid is inspired by the need to unite Kenyans and save the country from sliding into chaos.

Governor Godhana has spent the past week in Meru, meeting opinion leaders before holding talks with the elders, ostensibly to seek blessings from his in-laws.

"There are several signs showing that Kenya is on the precipice. When there is a bitter fallout among leaders, to the extent of hurling insults at each other, the country is falling apart. Kenya has also been ranked among the most corrupt countries. The economy is doing badly," Mr Godhana said.

He said a recent World Bank report had highlighted the need for proper governance to improve Kenya's economic output.

The governor also expressed concern over the rampant use of goons at political meetings, arguing that the trend is a sign of a failing nation.

"When the Gen Z protests happened, it was a sign that Kenyans were fed up and frustrated with the current leadership. Instead of fixing the problems, leaders started hiring goons to protect themselves. If this trend is not contained, it is likely to give rise to violence. We cannot allow our country to descend into chaos," Mr Godhana said.

He said the perennial intercommunal clashes in Tana River had ended under his leadership following deliberate efforts to promote unity.

"I want to extend my unity efforts to other parts of the country, and this is why I am seeking the presidency. Kenya needs a leader who can call the country to order. My competitors cannot offer solutions to this country. We have politicians guided by greed and selfish interests," he added.

Mr Godhana said the Federal Party of Kenya is keen on entrenching nationhood in the country.

The governor said his party would also engage Kenyans in efforts to restore sobriety and ensure peaceful elections in 2027.

"The Federal Party of Kenya seeks to strengthen the management of people's affairs through democratic principles. Kenya already has a federal system but lacks nationhood. My aim is to support the maturity of nationhood in Kenya," he said.

Mr Godhana joined elective politics in 2007 when he was elected Member of Parliament before clinching the Tana River governorship in 2017.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.