Ex-Police Oversight Boss Enters 2027 Presidential Race
Former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairman Macharia Njeru has announced his bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Njeru made the announcement on Monday, October 5, joining the growing list of aspirants seeking to succeed President William Ruto vying using the Mwongozo Mpya Party ticket.
The lawyer, who served as IPOA’s inaugural chairman from 2012 to 2016, said his decision to enter politics was driven by concerns over governance and the socio-economic challenges facing Kenyans.
“The journey begins. Today, I officially announce my bid for the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya,” Njeru stated.
Njeru said he would take his campaign across the country as he seeks to build support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Njeru questioned why professionals and other citizens with experience in public institutions have often avoided politics because it is viewed as a difficult or “dirty” space.
He said his friends and family had asked him the same question many times, given his success in the private sector and experience working in public institutions.
According to Njeru, the reluctance of what he described as “good people” to participate in politics has left voters with limited choices hence his decision to throw his hat into the ring.
The lawyer, who has practised commercial law for about 35 years, has also held leadership positions on bank boards in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
His declaration adds another contender to the presidential race as politicians and other aspirants position themselves ahead of the August 2027 polls.
Some of those that have so far declared their intentions to contest for the presidency include former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (Linda Mwananchi), ex-Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i (Jubilee), Prof George Wajakckoya (Roots) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (DCP),
Njeru, who served as IPOA’s inaugural chairman from 2012 to 2016, explained his decision to enter politics, questioning why professionals known for defending public institutions have often shied away from a space many consider difficult and “dirty.”
He said his friends and family had asked him the same question many times, given his success in the private sector and experience working in public institutions.
Njeru argued that the decision by “good people” to stay out of politics is part of the problem, leaving voters to choose between what he described as the bad and the worse.
At the same time, the advocate noted that 63 years after independence, women and children still walk for miles to fetch water, while patients in hospitals are sent to buy gloves.
He also cited the African Youth Outlook report of 2026, which shows 91.5 per cent of youth are in informal jobs such as roasting maize and washing cars.
Njeru noted that some young people hold university degrees and even master’s qualifications, yet end up working as watchmen or on construction sites despite their level of education.
Additionally, Njeru, who has in recent months criticised some government policies, blamed the cycle on what he described as poor leadership, saying Kenyans often vote based on emotions without considering a candidate’s integrity or ability to govern, only to replace them in anger and repeat the cycle.
On the economy, the lawyer warned that Kenya could face an economic collapse, citing a gap between government revenue and expenditure. He said the country collects Ksh2.8 trillion in taxes but spends Ksh4.5 trillion, forcing it to borrow a further Ksh1.5 trillion.
Njeru, who has practised commercial law for 35 years and chaired bank boards in Rwanda and Uganda, said Kenya has the talent needed to turn its fortunes around. He also promised to take his campaign across the country.
He will be vying using the Mwongozo Mpya Party ticket.