City politics: Aladwa bid puts Sakaja under fresh pressure in Nairobi
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing political pressure as ODM ward representatives endorse MP George Aladwa for the 2027 gubernatorial race. The move follows reports of strained relations between Sakaja and local party officials, despite rumors of Sakaja potentially joining the ODM party.
Why it matters
This internal political maneuvering signals shifting alliances in Nairobi's county government ahead of the next general election.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has once again found himself at a crossroads politically after Orange Democratic Movement Ward Reps in Nairobi endorsed Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa. Aladwa, who is also ODM Party Leader in Nairobi, after being endorsed on Wednesday, 30, September 2026, held a closed-door meeting with both ODM and UDA Ward Reps at City Hall, where he revealed his intentions. During the meeting, Aladwa promised the Ward Reps a close working relationship and prioritisation of projects at Ward levels if he is elected Nairobi governor in 2027. Some MCAs who spoke during the meeting cited that their relationship with Governor Sakaja has been icy and sometimes unavailable, a trait that they said has prompted calls for impeachment against the county boss. "As ODM, we have a candidate who we are supporting.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in