Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement is urging President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance to hand over the Nairobi governorship in 2027 in exchange for their support.  

ODM has begun shopping for a candidate to challenge Governor Johnson Sakaja, with insiders suggesting this deal would see the party refrain from fielding a presidential candidate. 

Daggers are drawn within the Orange Party as it prepares to sponsor a candidate against Sakaja.

Reports indicate Raila could be pushing for Makadara MP George Aladwa’s candidacy, while a section of ODM leadership, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, backs Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has already expressed interest in the seat. 

However, Babu Owino faces stiff opposition from Raila’s inner circle due to his vocal criticism of the current political arrangement between President Ruto and Raila under the broad-based government. 

“It is a known fact that I will be vying for the Nairobi governorship and there is no going back,” Babu told the People Daily on July 22, 2025. 

Strategic repositioning 

Aladwa, who previously expressed interest in the Vihiga governorship, has reportedly been persuaded by Raila to reconsider and target the city seat instead.

Meanwhile, Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi, who harboured Nairobi gubernatorial aspirations, has been prevailed upon to shift his focus to Bungoma. 

“There are a lot of intrigues in the party over the Nairobi governorship, which our party leader is determined to ensure that the party captures in 2027. So many things are happening behind the scenes,” a senior party official told People Daily. 

Last month, Wanyonyi announced his shift to Bungoma at a press conference where eight MPs from the county immediately endorsed him.

The endorsement was led by Sirisia MP John Waluke, who praised Wanyonyi’s credentials. 

“We want Bungoma to be led by someone with a clean track record, someone who has shown the ability to serve diligently and transparently. Timothy Wanyonyi is that person,” Waluke stated. 

The backing MPs included Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Martin Pepela (Webuye East), John Chikati (Tongaren), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), John Makali (Kanduyi), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), and Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon). 

Following Wanyonyi’s Bungoma declaration, Aladwa retreated from his Vihiga governorship bid. When reached for comment, Aladwa confirmed Raila’s influence on his decision. 

“It is absolutely true that my party leader implored me to remain in the city, though he is yet to tell me on which position I should vie for in the city. But my position to graduate from the National Assembly to a more senior position still remains,” Aladwa said. 

Growing support 

Last week, ODM Nairobi branch leaders publicly backed Aladwa during a meeting.

The group, comprising Nairobi ODM vice-chairman Ochieng Jera, Women’s Branch chairperson Catherine Akoth, and Youth leader Stanzo Omungala, view Aladwa as a loyal servant who consistently supports the party and its leader. 

They argue that the two-term MP gained valuable experience and deep City Hall knowledge during his tenure as mayor in the now-defunct Nairobi city council.

Additionally, they claim Aladwa’s candidature would benefit from Nairobi’s one million Luhyas, the second-largest voting bloc after the Kikuyu. 

Party switch 

Reports suggest Sakaja could be considering defecting from President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to Raila’s ODM should the parties forge an alliance ahead of the 2027 elections. 

Earlier this year, Raila sparked speculation within political circles when he expressed support for Sakaja’s leadership.

“As I head off to Addis, I want Nairobi to remain firm and united. So that my man here can be focused and execute his mandate efficiently,” Raila said amid cheers. 

Sakaja has given his strongest indication of potentially defending his seat on ODM’s ticket.

“I want to say that the signs of rainfall are heavy clouds, and whoever has eyes should not be reminded to read the signs. In the next two weeks, I am going to meet with ODM Women and respective branch chairmen so that they can say we are together in this,” Sakaja stated. 

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Aladwa have advised Sakaja to abandon UDA for ODM, which enjoys the highest support in Nairobi County. 

“I want to thank in a special way our governor of Nairobi for standing with our party, yet he is not a member. I’m kindly pleading with him to leave UDA and join ODM so that we walk together,” Aladwa said. 

Political manoeuvring 

Wanga reinforced this sentiment during a prayer service before Raila’s Ethiopia trip: “I want to urge Governor Sakaja to seriously consider what Aladwa has said. I have seen how the two of you have mobilised to make this event a success.” 

The unfolding political manoeuvring suggests the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race will be a crucial battleground in Kenya’s evolving political landscape, with potential ramifications extending far beyond the city’s boundaries.