Manyora's remarks, delivered during a recent radio interview, suggest Kuria's candidacy is a strategic move to fragment opposition votes and consolidate power for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the polls.
"Moses Kuria is not running independently; this is a state-orchestrated play to divide the Kikuyu vote and dilute support for genuine challengers like Johnson Sakaja's rivals," Manyora stated, pointing to Kuria's recent political maneuvers as evidence of high-level sponsorship.
The claim comes amid escalating tensions in Nairobi's political landscape, where Kuria's surprise entry into the race has already unraveled one high-profile alliance and drawn accusations of interference from "powerful offices."
Kuria, a long-time ally of President William Ruto and leader of the Chama Cha Kazi party, first signaled his gubernatorial ambitions in October 2025.
In a direct response to Ruto's public criticism of Nairobi's governance under incumbent Johnson Sakaja, Kuria posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Dear President William Ruto. Today you spoke to my heart... I have heard your cry. That is why I will offer myself to be the Governor of the great County of Nairobi in 2027. I will fix Nairobi."
This declaration positioned Kuria as a no-nonsense fixer for the city's chronic issues, including garbage collection failures, flooding, and infrastructure decay.
Kuria doubled down on December 1, 2025, unveiling Makadara MP George Aladwa an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stalwart and former Nairobi Mayor as his proposed running mate.
The pairing was touted as a "non-tribal" dream team, blending Kuria's economic expertise with Aladwa's grassroots mobilization skills to appeal to Nairobi's diverse electorate.
"Not because of our tribes. Not because of our parties. Because we care for Nairobi," Kuria emphasized in his announcement poster.
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