The battle for control of City Hall in Nairobi is already taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with rival political camps mobilising early in what is expected to become one of the country’s most fiercely contested gubernatorial races.

Several politicians have declared interest in the seat currently held by Governor Johnson Sakaja, setting the stage for an intense political contest driven by shifting alliances, party calculations and national political realignments.

At the centre of the emerging contest is the race to unseat Sakaja, whose administration has faced growing criticism over governance challenges and a controversial cooperation agreement with the national government.

Among the key challengers is Embakasi North Member of Parliament (MP) James Gakuya, who is seeking to contest on the ticket of the newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gakuya is battling for the party’s ticket with former Planning Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera, who also serves as the party’s patron in the capital.

He has already indicated that the party will field a united opposition candidate for the Nairobi governor race, positioning Gakuya and Nyakera as the leading contenders for the ticket.

Gakuya-Sakaja tiff

The rivalry between Gakuya and Sakaja dates back to 2024 when the MP unsuccessfully challenged the governor for the Nairobi chairmanship of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The contest unfolded before the fallout within the party that followed Gachagua’s ouster.

In a recent political development, several Nairobi politicians allied to UDA convened a meeting at the Kenya School of Science to chart what they termed their 2027 political journey.

The meeting, spearheaded by Gakuya, was attended by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda and Nairobi South MCA Waithera Chege, among other leaders.

Mutinda has already declared interest in the Nairobi Senate seat, signalling the possible formation of a political lineup aligned to Gakuya’s camp ahead of the elections.

Babu Owino for Nairobi?

Another major contender in the race is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, whose potential bid has generated significant attention due to his high-profile political style and strong support among sections of the city’s youth.

Babu, who is politically aligned with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has declared that he will contest the seat regardless of whether the party backs his candidacy.

“If ODM supports me, well and good. If not, I’ll still be on the ballot. Nairobi needs change, and I’m ready to deliver,” Babu said.

His potential candidacy has further complicated opposition politics in the capital after Gachagua invited both Babu and Sifuna to work with the emerging opposition alliance, urging them to consider joining either the DCP or Wiper.

While Sifuna has indicated willingness to work with a united opposition front, internal dynamics within ODM continue to shape the political landscape in the city.

Sakaja’s reelection gamble

Meanwhile, Sakaja is expected to seek re-election with the backing of the emerging UDA–ODM cooperation framework following his endorsement by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Despite this backing, Sakaja’s tenure has faced significant challenges, including a plan to table an impeachment motion months after the attempt was diffused following political interventions by Raila.

The governor has also come under scrutiny following a controversial cooperation agreement signed with the national government at State House, which critics say could undermine devolution.

Sifuna criticised the move, arguing that the deal raised constitutional concerns.

“Any unconstitutional clawback to devolution shall be strenuously resisted,” he said.

Other aspirants have also thrown their hats into the ring. Makadara MP George Aladwa has declared he will seek the seat on an ODM ticket, while businesswoman Agnes Kagure is preparing to run under the Kenya Patriots Party.

Kagure has already intensified her grassroots campaigns across the city, recently holding a political meeting in Embakasi North, a constituency considered part of Gakuya’s political base.

The early manoeuvres reflect broader national political tensions as parties reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.