The endorsement adds a new twist to what is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive political contests in the country. Several leaders and political camps have already started positioning themselves for the influential county seat.
Currently, the race is widely expected to feature Nairobi’s sitting governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, both of whom are seen as strong contenders.
However, Omanga’s decision to rally behind Gakuya has introduced a new dynamic that could significantly alter the political landscape in the capital.
In her remarks, Omanga praised Gakuya’s leadership and track record, saying his performance as the Member of Parliament for Embakasi North demonstrates his ability to manage the affairs of Nairobi County.
According to the former senator, Gakuya has shown commitment and effective leadership, qualities she believes make him a suitable candidate to lead the county government.
“Based on his performance, he deserves the opportunity to lead Nairobi,” Omanga reportedly stated while declaring her support.
Political observers say the endorsement could complicate the strategies of both Sakaja and Owino. Sakaja, who is seeking to defend his seat, faces growing competition as more leaders begin aligning with potential challengers.
At the same time, Babu Owino—who has already signaled interest in the governor’s seat—may have to navigate a crowded political field as additional candidates gain backing from influential figures.
The Nairobi gubernatorial seat is expected to attract significant national attention because of the county’s economic importance and political influence. Control of the capital city often carries major political weight ahead of national elections.
Following Omanga’s declaration, Kenyans took to social media to share mixed reactions. While some welcomed the growing list of candidates as a sign of healthy democratic competition, others said the race could become highly unpredictable as alliances continue to shift.
With the 2027 elections still some time away, analysts believe the battle for Nairobi’s top seat will continue to intensify as more leaders declare their ambitions and political endorsements reshape the contest.
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