Equity Group COO Polycarp Igathe Joins Nairobi Governor’s Race

Former Nairobi Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe has joined the city’s gubernatorial race ahead of the August 9th elections.

Igathe, a corporate executive-turned-politician, is seeking to contest for the county’s top seat on a Jubilee Party ticket. 

Jubilee secretary-general Jeremiah Kioni said Igathe was cleared by the ruling party ahead of the forthcoming primaries.

“Igathe is in the Nairobi Governor’s race. He has paid his nomination fees and also done everything he is required to vie for the seat,” Kioni said on Monday.

Other Nairobi governor aspirants who have been cleared by the President Kenyatta-led party include incumbent Ann Kananu, businesswoman Ann Kagure, and businessman Richard Ngatia.

Igathe, who currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer (COO) of the Equity Group Holdings Limited, joined politics in 2017 as the running mate of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

A few months after their election, Igathe resigned as Nairobi deputy governor, saying he failed to earn the trust of Governor Sonko.

“Dear Nairobians, it is with a heavy heart that I resign from my seat as elected Deputy Governor of Nairobi City County effective 1 pm on 31st Jan 2018. I regret I have failed to earn the trust of the Governor to enable me to drive Admin & Management of the county. Without fear, favour or ill will I step down to avoid abusing or betraying my oath of office to Kenyans, Nairobians and my family,” Igathe said in a statement.