ODM is changing its Nairobi 2027 gubernatorial strategy with Makadara MP George Aladwa emerging as the party’s preferred candidate over Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The party’s top leadership has moved away from backing Sakaja, amid growing concerns over the performance of his county administration.
The development complicates speculation that Sakaja would be the broad-based government’s joint candidate in Nairobi, bringing ODM and UDA together in the race.
ODM insiders reportedly believe the latest controversy surrounding the management of Nairobi County, including the Eastleigh building collapse, has weakened Sakaja’s standing and made a renewed endorsement difficult.
Aladwa, a former Nairobi mayor and a longtime ODM member, is being considered as an alternative. The two term Makadara MP, like Sakaja, is of Luhya descent, but enjoys the backing of the opposition party’s Nairobi political network.
Aladwa was elected mayor of Nairobi in August 2011, defeating PNU candidate James Gakuya. He became the last mayor of the Nairobi City Council before the transition to the devolved county government system abolished the position.
If ODM formally settles on Aladwa, he could face Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who is associated with the TMP ticket, and DCP candidate James Gakuya, setting up a potentially competitive contest for control of the capital.
