Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a warning to Winnie Odinga and Raila Junior, siblings who have announced plans to contest in Nairobi in the 2027 General Election. Gachagua, leader of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), cautioned that their party affiliation will make or break their campaigns. He made these remarks in an interview with KTN News on October 28, 2026.
Gachagua welcomed the Odinga siblings' entry into Nairobi politics but expressed concerns about their party choices. He stated that if Raila Junior contests on an ODM ticket in the Kibra parliamentary seat, he will likely lose. Similarly, Winnie Odinga's chances of winning the Nairobi senatorial seat are slim if she runs on an ODM ticket. Gachagua suggested that their best chance of success lies with other parties, such as Linda Mwananchi or Wiper.
Winnie Odinga is seeking the Nairobi senatorial seat currently held by Edwin Sifuna, while Raila Junior is targeting the Kibra parliamentary seat occupied by Mwalimu Peter Orero. Winnie has shown signs of aligning with Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Movement, whereas Raila Junior remains firmly within ODM. Gachagua's comments highlight the complexities of Nairobi politics, where party affiliations play a crucial role in determining electoral success.
Gachagua argued that Nairobi is entirely opposition territory, making it challenging for candidates associated with President William Ruto's administration to win. He revealed that his coalition is reconsidering its approach to fielding candidates in the capital, suggesting they may abandon the practice of negotiating a single candidate per seat. This strategic shift may allow DCP candidates to compete freely in the Nairobi elections.
The DCP's Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant, James Gakuya, has also ruled out any negotiated arrangement with Babu Owino, who is pursuing the same seat on The Mwananchi Party (TMT) ticket. Gakuya stated that he intends to remain on the ballot even if his party opts to back another candidate, adding that contesting as an independent is among his contingency options.
Gachagua's warning to the Odinga siblings and his party's strategic shift in Nairobi reflect the intense competition and complex alliances in Kenyan politics. As the 2027 General Election approaches, candidates and parties are positioning themselves for success in the highly competitive Nairobi electorate. The outcome of these elections will likely have significant implications for Kenya's political landscape.
The developments in Nairobi politics have sparked interest among Kenyans, with many watching closely to see how the Odinga siblings and other candidates will navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the capital. The 2027 elections will be a crucial test of the candidates' strategies and the strength of their party affiliations in determining electoral success.
Key points
- Gachagua warns Odinga siblings that party affiliation will determine their success in Nairobi elections.
- DCP considers new strategy for Nairobi seats, potentially allowing candidates to compete freely.
- Nairobi politics is highly competitive, with party affiliations playing a crucial role in determining electoral success.
