From Babu to Sakaja, Aladwa and Winnie Odinga: Nairobi race crowded ahead of 2027

Babu Owino, Johnson Sakaja and George Aladwa are among the leaders eyeing Nairobi’s gubernatorial seat ahead of the 2027 General Election. [Courtesy, Standard]

The contests for Nairobi’s Gubernatorial and Senatorial seats are gaining momentum, with three political outfits now gearing up for what promises to be a bare-knuckle fight for the control of the capital.

With less than a year to the high-stakes 2027 elections, the two seats have attracted a crowded field from across the political divide, even as political camps continue to mobilise their machinery to capture the city’s vast voter blocs.

Incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja finds himself under immense pressure to defend his seat against numerous leaders who have emerged as credible contenders. Sakaja, who is Kenya Kwanza Alliance’s last line of defence, will be going up against Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate James Gakuya, who currently serves as the Embakasi North MP.

Gakuya’s bid is propelled by the support of opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua, whose influence in the wider Mt Kenya region spills into Nairobi County.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also thrown his hat in the ring and already activated his Mwananchi Party following his fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Babu, who enjoys massive youth following in the city, decided to cut ties with ODM shortly after Raila’s demise, and upon realising that his former party intends to back Sakaja for a second term.

Speaking during a Church service on Sunday, Babu hit out at the current administration, accusing its leadership of failing to protect public resources and manage the city’s wealth responsibly.

“We allowed some of our brothers, but just like the third servant, he did not invest. Instead, the whole of Nairobi iko kwa tumbo yake, amemeza mali yote ya Wakenya,” he declared.

The MP further accused unnamed leaders of squandering Nairobi’s resources, making accountability and the management of public funds central to his campaign message.

Defending his record in Embakasi East, Babu cited roads, water projects, schools, business opportunities, school buses and bursaries as achievements during his tenure in Parliament, which began in 2017.

Former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru will also be contesting the Nairobi Governorship seat on the Kenya Moja Movement Party (KMMP) with a clarion call to restore order and dignity in the city.

Wanjiru, who announced her bid last month, said that the Kenya Moja Movement Party is founded on the principles of social justice, the rule of law, human dignity, fairness and equal opportunities, saying that all Kenyans were free to register as members.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Kenya Moja Movement Party, where I am the Party Leader, is part of the United Alternative Government. I will join other Party Leaders in the opposition to ensure that our Presidential candidate wins the 2027 general election,” said Wanjiru.

During the 2022 general election, the KMMP leader had contested for the Nairobi Senate Seat on a UDA ticket and emerged second, garnering 554,091 votes against Senator Edwin Sifuna, who got 716,876 votes. 

Others who have expressed interest in the seat include businesswoman Agnes Kagure, ODM stalwart George Aladwa and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who have also expressed their interest in taking the reins at City Hall.

Winnie Odinga and Crystal Asige among the leaders seeking to contest Nairobi’s senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election. [Courtesy, Standard]

At the Senate, the exit of the incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna from county politics to pursue the Presidential seat has blown wide open the competition gates, with nominated Senator Crystal Asige being the latest to announce her bid.

Asige is banking on her legislative record and advocacy for persons with disabilities to clinch the seat. Speaking on Sunday, Asige said she had developed seven Bills aimed at protecting and supporting citizens, arguing that her experience in the Senate had prepared her to serve Nairobi residents in an elected capacity.

Then there is East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Winnie Odinga, who declared her bid on October 15. She was speaking during a commemoration marking the first anniversary of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Her announcement effectively put her on a collision course with incumbent Langata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, who is also vying for the seat.

"Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is some space in Nairobi, and that is why I have decided I will vie for Senator of Nairobi County," Winnie said.

Jalang’o, however, welcomed Winnie’s entry, noting that it would make the race more competitive. He also spoke of plans to remain in the race.

"Winnie’s entry into the race makes it even more exciting, competitive and serious because the other people who announced their bid were not as serious," he said.

Other leaders who had expressed interest in the seat include musician KRG The Don. He intends to use the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) associated with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko as his political vehicle.

As the elections draw closer, realignments based on coalition formations are expected to crystallise the race for Nairobi. New entrants are also expected to make public their bids.