A fierce political battle is already taking shape in the race for the Nairobi governorship, as heavyweight politicians position themselves to challenge Johnson Sakaja in what analysts predict will be one of the most dramatic contests of the 2027 General Election.
With just under two years remaining, at least seven prominent figures have either declared their intention or signalled strong interest in unseating the incumbent, who is seeking to break Nairobi’s long-standing “one-term governor” jinx.
Since devolution began, only pioneer governor Evans Kidero completed a full term. His successor, Mike Sonko, was impeached before finishing his tenure, while Anne Kananu, who took over after Sonko’s removal, opted not to defend the seat in 2022.
Now, Sakaja is aiming to become the first Nairobi governor to win re-election.
The Seven Challengers
The list of candidates determined to oust him reads like a roll call of Kenya’s political heavyweights.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the governor, accusing the county leadership of failing to control garbage, traffic congestion and chaotic street hawking.
He insists he will run for governor “with or without” an ODM ticket and has been increasingly associated with Kalonzo Musyoka in a bid to court Kamba support.
Makadara MP George Aladwa is also in the race, banking on ODM’s historical strength in Nairobi and his strong Luhya following. A former Nairobi mayor, he has firmly rejected proposals to serve as a deputy to any rival, insisting he will run on an ODM ticket.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a vocal Sakaja critic, is positioning himself as a reformist candidate and is strongly backed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He is counting on Kikuyu support and emerging alliances between his DCP party and Wiper to consolidate Gema and Kamba voting blocs.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria is widely seen as a potential “spoiler” candidate whose entry could split the Kikuyu vote. His recent overtures toward cross-party cooperation have fuelled speculation about strategic alliances ahead of 2027.
Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera is also positioning himself to tap into the influential Kikuyu vote, presenting himself as a technocratic alternative capable of stabilising the capital’s administration.
Businesswoman-turned-politician Agnes Kagure has revived her political ambitions and is similarly eyeing the Kikuyu-dominated constituencies, potentially further complicating the arithmetic of the race.
Sakaja’s Defence
Sakaja, currently the only confirmed candidate from the United Democratic Alliance, insists he has turned around a city that was on the brink of collapse.
He recalls inheriting a county paralysed by infighting, financial turmoil and legislative chaos.
He claims to have cleaned up procurement systems, shut down fake Local Purchase Orders that allegedly siphoned more than Sh100 million monthly and sealed revenue leakages by ending cash payments. His administration points to expanded roads, improved street lighting, enhanced garbage collection and the introduction of the “Dishi na County” school feeding programme.
Sakaja says Nairobi collected a record Sh12.8 billion in the last financial year and is targeting Sh20 billion, while promising to clear Sh107 billion in pending bills by June 2026.
He is also counting on the support of President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and strong backing from the Luhya community.
High-Stakes Political Prize
Political analysts say Nairobi’s vast revenue base, symbolic national status and economic power make the seat too important to ignore.
University don Macharia Munene describes the capital as “the gateway to Africa,” while analyst Dismus Mokua argues that coalition-building, ethnic arithmetic, digital mobilisation and Gen Z appeal will ultimately shape the outcome.
Behind the candidates lies a complex web of shifting alliances involving Kenya Kwanza, the United Opposition and emerging political formations.
With 17 constituencies, 85 wards and unmatched political diversity, Nairobi continues to mirror national political trends.
As the campaigns quietly take shape, one thing is already certain: the battle for City Hall will be long, unpredictable and fiercely fought — and its outcome will likely signal the future direction of Kenya’s political landscape.
