Bold claim: Nairobi’s political race is intensifying, and the city’s next governor may hinge on who refuses to play second fiddle. Makadara MP George Aladwa has rejected a direct invitation to be Moses Kuria’s running mate for the Nairobi governor seat, signaling his intention to pursue the governorship himself in 2027.
During an event at Buruburu’s Bidii Primary School on December 2, 2025, Aladwa made his position clear: he will not serve as Kuria’s deputy and will instead campaign to win Nairobi’s top job under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banner in 2027.
Kuria had previously hinted at a cross-party alliance for the 2027 race on December 1, 2025, posting a message and a photo that prominently featured Aladwa. He framed the potential partnership as a matter of shared care for Nairobi, rather than tribal or party allegiance, and highlighted their collective leadership experience, broad networks, and proven capacity to “fix Nairobi.”
Aladwa, who also serves as ODM Nairobi Branch chairman, reiterated in Buruburu that his aim is to reclaim City Hall, noting that he left office as the last mayor under Kenya’s old constitution in March 2013. His confirmation adds to a growing field of five contenders aiming to challenge Governor Johnson Sakaja, who won the 2022 election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
The other contenders in this crowded race include Kuria, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya (an ally of Deputy President William Ruto’s party), Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of ODM, and former Transport Principal Secretary Nyakera Irungu (also aligned with Kuria’s camp).
Aladwa asserted to StarDigital that he has no intention of becoming a secondary figure for anyone in Nairobi, stressing this stance to supporters in Buruburu.
Meanwhile, Nairobi’s gubernatorial contest has taken a new turn after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced a deal with Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka to seat DCP in the governor’s race. Kalonzo dismissed the claim, saying no such agreement exists and accusing certain “government-linked” figures of trying to sow discord within the opposition.
Nairobi’s political landscape is deeply dynamic, driven by a cosmopolitan electorate and a history of cross-party and cross-community alliances since devolution. To date, no governor has managed a successful return to City Hall, underscoring the city’s unpredictable path toward the 2027 election.
If you’re following Nairobi’s race, which path do you think has the best chance to deliver stable leadership for the capital—an ODM-led bid with seasoned local figures, or a cross-party alliance leveraging broader networks? Share your thoughts in the comments.
