Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has emerged as the leading contender in the race for the City Hall seat, according to a fresh opinion poll that signals shifting political dynamics in Kenya’s capital ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The latest Darubini Poll released on Friday, May 22, shows Sakaja commanding 48 percent support among respondents, putting him significantly ahead of his closest challengers in what is shaping up to be one of the country’s most watched political contests.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya came second with 28 percent support, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino secured 17 percent.
Businesswoman Agnes Kagure followed with 9 percent, while a small percentage of respondents remained undecided.
The findings mark a major political boost for Sakaja, whose administration has faced both praise and criticism since he assumed office in 2022.
The poll suggests that despite growing political competition in Nairobi, the governor still enjoys considerable backing from sections of the electorate, particularly among youth and middle-class residents.
Analysts attribute Sakaja’s strong showing to several county initiatives launched under his administration.
Programmes such as the Dishi na County school feeding initiative, rehabilitation works within Nairobi’s Central Business District, youth employment programmes and urban renewal efforts were cited among factors boosting his popularity.
The governor has in recent months intensified efforts to position himself as a development-oriented leader, frequently highlighting partnerships between City Hall and the national government aimed at transforming Nairobi’s infrastructure.
One of the most debated initiatives has been the KSh80 billion cooperation agreement between the Nairobi County Government and President William Ruto’s administration targeting roads, drainage systems, waste management, transport and affordable housing projects.
However, Nairobi politics remains highly volatile, with different polls in recent months painting contrasting pictures of the gubernatorial race.
Earlier surveys had placed Gakuya and Babu Owino ahead of Sakaja, reflecting dissatisfaction among some residents over issues such as flooding, traffic congestion, garbage collection and service delivery.
Public debate around Sakaja’s leadership has also spilled online, where Nairobi residents continue to sharply divide over his performance.
While some praise visible changes in parts of the CBD and youth-centred programmes, others argue that major challenges affecting estates outside the city centre remain unresolved.
Political analyst Herman Manyora recently observed that despite criticism and intense opposition mobilisation, Sakaja still remains a formidable political figure who cannot be easily dismissed ahead of the next election.
Meanwhile, rivals are also stepping up their campaigns as Nairobi’s political battlefield becomes increasingly crowded.
Gakuya continues to consolidate support within sections of the Mt Kenya voting bloc, while Babu Owino has maintained strong appeal among younger voters through aggressive grassroots mobilisation and populist messaging.
Observers say the Nairobi gubernatorial contest is likely to become one of the fiercest races in 2027, with shifting alliances, party negotiations and voter turnout expected to play a decisive role.
For now, however, the latest survey places Sakaja firmly in the lead, giving the Nairobi governor renewed momentum as the battle for control of City Hall gradually takes shape.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
