The race for Nairobi's governor seat has intensified, attracting a diverse group of aspirants. Governor Johnson Sakaja has formally defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), seeking a second term on the party's ticket. This move has set the stage for a potentially bruising contest, with several other aspirants vying for the top spot. Sakaja's defection has been seen as a significant development in the race.
Several aspirants are positioning themselves for the ODM ticket, including former pilot and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, and Makadara MP George Aladwa. Karauri has highlighted his experience in aviation, business, and constituency politics as key qualifications for the job. He has promised to bring transparency and accountability to the county government, with a focus on publicly traceable contracts and shillings. Aladwa, ODM's Nairobi chairman, has insisted that newcomers must face nominations.
Outside ODM, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya are positioning themselves on the Mwananchi Party and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) tickets, respectively. Gakuya has argued that Nairobi needs a fundamental change in management and has promised to transform the Dandora dumpsite, create jobs, and restore the city's image. Former Starehe MP, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, is also pursuing the seat through the Kenya Moja Movement Party.
The field could widen further, but the early alignments already reveal the stakes: a crowded contest in which party tickets, alliances, and candidates' records may prove as decisive as campaign promises. Sakaja's switch to ODM has been seen as a strategic move, with the governor seeking to frame his candidacy around continuity and performance. He has invoked his relationship with ODM's late founder, Raila Odinga, and has promised to bring experience, energy, and conviction to the job.
Karauri has outlined his immediate priorities, including addressing the "Nairobi water menace," garbage collection, and blocked drains. He has also promised to audit buildings, identify unsafe structures, and overhaul development approvals. The Kasarani legislator has vowed to implement these projects without additional taxes imposed on the people of Nairobi. He has cited the county's reported local revenue of over Sh15 billion last year, but also noted that the county fell short of its target by about Sh6 billion.
Gakuya has received an endorsement from DCP Party leader and ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who introduced him to Kenyans in Dallas during his United States tour. The endorsement places Gakuya within Gachagua's wider strategy to build DCP as a force in the capital. Gakuya has promised to bring Nairobi to shape, fix the city's problems, and create jobs. His campaign has been seen as a credible challenge to the other aspirants.
The contest is expected to test party structures, personal networks, and competing visions for the city's 2,743,155 votes. The aspirants will need to navigate the complex landscape of Nairobi's politics, with issues such as garbage collection, flooding, and unpaid bursaries likely to feature prominently in the campaign. The winner will need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the city's needs and a compelling vision for its future.
Key points
- Governor Johnson Sakaja defects to ODM, seeking a second term as governor.
- Several aspirants, including Ronald Karauri and James Gakuya, position themselves for the top spot.
- The contest is expected to test party structures, personal networks, and competing visions for the city's 2,743,155 votes.
