NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has stepped up his campaign for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, holding grassroots engagements with residents of Kasarani and Ruai as the 2027 political contest begins to take shape.
Gakuya toured parts of the city on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, accompanied by Embakasi Central MP Gathiru Mwangi, popularly known as Mejja Donk, and several other aspirants aligned with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
The lawmakers made several stopovers where they interacted with residents and outlined Gakuya’s agenda as he seeks to succeed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Gakuya thanked residents for their support, saying their reception had strengthened his resolve to pursue the gubernatorial seat.
“Mwiki, asanteni sana. Mapenzi yenu yameniweza na nimeyabeba moyoni. 2027, Governor wa Nairobi anawashukuru. Nairobi ni yetu sote. Tuko pamoja,” Gakuya said.
Gakuya builds support ahead of 2027
The latest engagements come days after Gakuya held a consultative forum with opinion shapers from across Nairobi.
The meeting was also attended by Millicent Omanga, a DCP-aligned politician and Nairobi Woman Representative aspirant, who endorsed Gakuya’s bid.
Omanga expressed confidence in the MP’s prospects, saying traders and members of the Kisii community living in Nairobi would support his campaign.
Gakuya’s decision to intensify grassroots engagements signals an effort to build support across different parts of the capital as political parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.
Babu Owino steps up challenge
Gakuya’s campaign comes as other politicians seeking to take over City Hall also intensify their activities.
Among the most prominent contenders is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has repeatedly expressed confidence that he will become Nairobi governor.
Babu has vowed to challenge incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, arguing that Nairobi requires a different approach to address the city’s challenges.
He has also said he would serve only one term as governor before returning to national politics.
His entry into the race adds to an increasingly crowded field of politicians seeking to lead Kenya’s capital.
Sakaja seeks second term
Governor Johnson Sakaja is also seeking to retain his position and has maintained that he expects to win re-election in 2027.
Sakaja has said he wants to become the first Nairobi governor to serve a full 10-year tenure.
He has argued that frequent changes in county leadership have disrupted continuity in Nairobi’s development because successive administrations often introduce different systems and approaches.
According to Sakaja, maintaining leadership continuity would allow the county to implement long-term development programmes more effectively.
Sakaja’s deputy joins race
The gubernatorial contest has also attracted Sakaja’s deputy, James Muchiri, who has expressed interest in succeeding his boss.
Muchiri registered as a gubernatorial aspirant on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket and was seen at State House during the party’s aspirants’ forum in April 2026.
Sakaja has defended his deputy’s decision to seek the governor’s position, saying he advised Muchiri to register as a candidate because there was no available position for a deputy governor.
