At least four city MPs have declared interest in gubernatorial seats, while about seven MCAs are planning to contest parliamentary positions across Nairobi constituencies.
The developments point to a highly competitive election season marked by shifting alliances and changing party fortunes.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has announced his intention to vie for the Bungoma governorship, where he is expected to face strong competition from Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has announced his intention to vie for the Bungoma governorship, where he is expected to face strong competition from Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
Meanwhile, three Nairobi MPs — Babu Owino (Embakasi East), James Gakuya (Embakasi Central) and George Aladwa (Makadara) — are eyeing the Nairobi governor’s seat currently held by Johnson Sakaja.
Aladwa has confirmed that he will seek the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, expressing confidence that the party will back his bid.
Aladwa has confirmed that he will seek the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, expressing confidence that the party will back his bid.
The Makadara MP previously served as Nairobi’s last executive mayor before the introduction of county governments in 2013.
“I am firmly in the race to take over from Sakaja, and I am confident that ODM will give me the ticket,” Aladwa said, dismissing reports that he had been approached to deputise another candidate.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also intensified his political manoeuvres, signalling a possible shift from ODM to Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party.
“I am firmly in the race to take over from Sakaja, and I am confident that ODM will give me the ticket,” Aladwa said, dismissing reports that he had been approached to deputise another candidate.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also intensified his political manoeuvres, signalling a possible shift from ODM to Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party.
Owino has openly declared his intention to run for governor in 2027, describing the seat as a stepping stone to a future presidential bid.
“I am overqualified to be President in 2032, but for now I want to serve Nairobi as governor,” Owino said, adding that he plans to formally announce his candidature early next year.
James Gakuya, on his part, is seeking the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) ticket, a party linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gakuya is expected to face competition from former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera for the party’s nomination.
“I am overqualified to be President in 2032, but for now I want to serve Nairobi as governor,” Owino said, adding that he plans to formally announce his candidature early next year.
James Gakuya, on his part, is seeking the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) ticket, a party linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gakuya is expected to face competition from former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera for the party’s nomination.
In recent months, the Embakasi Central MP has mounted an aggressive voter registration campaign, erecting billboards across major city roads urging residents to enlist as voters.
At the county assembly level, several MCAs are also plotting upward political moves. Abbas Ibrahim Khalif (South-C), Moses Ogeto (Kilimani), Oluoch Odalo (Mabatini), Peter Imatwok (Makongeni), Jeremiah Themendu alias ‘Morefire’ (Kayole) and Ricardo Nyantika (Embakasi) have all expressed interest in parliamentary seats.
Abbas Khalif is targeting the Lang’ata parliamentary seat currently held by Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o.
At the county assembly level, several MCAs are also plotting upward political moves. Abbas Ibrahim Khalif (South-C), Moses Ogeto (Kilimani), Oluoch Odalo (Mabatini), Peter Imatwok (Makongeni), Jeremiah Themendu alias ‘Morefire’ (Kayole) and Ricardo Nyantika (Embakasi) have all expressed interest in parliamentary seats.
Abbas Khalif is targeting the Lang’ata parliamentary seat currently held by Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o.
He has been holding meetings with various community groups and recently pledged to sponsor football teams across the constituency as part of his grassroots outreach.
Makongeni MCA and Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imatwok is eyeing the Teso South parliamentary seat in Busia County, while Mabatini MCA Oluoch Odalo plans to challenge incumbent MP Anthony Oluoch.
Kilimani MCA Moses Ogeto has set his sights on the Dagoretti North seat held by Beatrice Elachi. Ogeto recently claimed an early victory after his allies won key ODM grassroots positions in disputed sub-branch elections.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Nyantika is preparing to contest the Embakasi East parliamentary seat, which will be vacated if Babu Owino runs for governor, while Kayole MCA Jeremiah Themendu is targeting Embakasi Central.
Political analysts note that party strength and coalition arrangements will play a major role in determining outcomes in Nairobi.
Makongeni MCA and Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imatwok is eyeing the Teso South parliamentary seat in Busia County, while Mabatini MCA Oluoch Odalo plans to challenge incumbent MP Anthony Oluoch.
Kilimani MCA Moses Ogeto has set his sights on the Dagoretti North seat held by Beatrice Elachi. Ogeto recently claimed an early victory after his allies won key ODM grassroots positions in disputed sub-branch elections.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Nyantika is preparing to contest the Embakasi East parliamentary seat, which will be vacated if Babu Owino runs for governor, while Kayole MCA Jeremiah Themendu is targeting Embakasi Central.
Political analysts note that party strength and coalition arrangements will play a major role in determining outcomes in Nairobi.
ODM’s influence in the capital is expected to be tested following the death of its leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has since claimed that his party, in alliance with Wiper, is well positioned to dominate Nairobi’s 2027 contests, including the governorship, Senate, and a majority of parliamentary and ward seats.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has since claimed that his party, in alliance with Wiper, is well positioned to dominate Nairobi’s 2027 contests, including the governorship, Senate, and a majority of parliamentary and ward seats.
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