Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has weighed in on Edwin Sifuna ’s latest political mobilisation in Nairobi, suggesting that the capital could become a major battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua appeared impressed by the massive turnout witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi movement’s Nairobi mobilisation on Sunday, September 13, with thousands of supporters accompanying Sifuna and other opposition leaders through parts of the city before converging at Jacaranda Grounds.
The former deputy president shared his reaction on Facebook, praising the political mobilisation while highlighting what he sees as the growing strength of opposition forces in Nairobi.
In his message, Gachagua described the political situation as heating up, saying:
“Things are boiling nicely.”
He also narrated how Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and other leaders moved from Saint’s Cathedral through Marigiti, Gikomba and Eastlands before reaching Jacaranda Grounds.
“From Nairobi, the team of Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, James Orengo, and other young leaders had a service at Saint’s Cathedral… From there, they left through Marigiti, through Gikomba, through Eastlands, walking with hundreds and thousands of people, chanting all the way to Jacaranda,” Gachagua said.
He further described the gathering as one of the biggest political events witnessed in Nairobi, while questioning why the alleged attack on Saint’s Cathedral had not resulted in arrests.
Gachagua Makes Bold Nairobi Prediction
Gachagua then turned his attention to the numbers, arguing that the opposition could dominate Nairobi if the leaders maintain their cooperation.
He singled out himself, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino as key players in the capital’s political equation.
“I’m so happy because the city of Nairobi has 2.7 million voters. Between myself, my cousin Kalonzo Musyoka, Edwin Sifuna, and Babu Owino, Nairobi is locked. It’s locked,” he said.
Gachagua went further, predicting that the opposition alliance could secure as many as 2.5 million votes in Nairobi during the 2027 election.
“We’ll be able to get 2.5 million votes. Ruto akipata 10k votes in Nairobi hio sijui ataomba Mungu gani,” he added.
The remarks underline the increasingly competitive nature of Nairobi politics as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Sifuna Steps Up His 2027 Campaign
Sifuna’s Nairobi rally came as his Linda Mwananchi movement continues its countrywide mobilisation tour.
The Nairobi senator has openly indicated his interest in challenging President William Ruto for the presidency, while simultaneously calling for opposition leaders to unite behind a common strategy.
During the Nairobi mobilisation, Sifuna said defeating Ruto would require leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka and Gachagua to work together.
“It will not be easy. We must walk together with Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua and all other leaders in the opposition. Let us walk together,” Sifuna said.
The movement’s Nairobi tour also brought together prominent figures including Babu Owino and Orengo, reinforcing the impression of an increasingly broad opposition network.
Nairobi Becomes Key 2027 Battleground
Gachagua’s comments come at a time when political alliances are rapidly taking shape ahead of the next General Election.
Sifuna’s growing national profile, Babu Owino’s strong presence in Nairobi and Gachagua’s efforts to build an opposition platform have created a new political dynamic in the capital.
The former deputy president’s prediction of 2.5 million opposition votes is, however, a political projection rather than an established electoral outcome.
The actual strength of any coalition will depend on how the various opposition formations negotiate alliances, nominations and a possible joint presidential ticket before 2027.
For now, Sifuna’s massive Nairobi mobilisation has provided opposition leaders with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to draw crowds and organise supporters in one of Kenya’s most politically influential regions.
And judging from Gachagua’s reaction, he believes the political temperature in Nairobi is only beginning to rise.
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