Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has emerged as the most popular candidate in the Nairobi 2027 gubernatorial race, surpassing Governor Johnson Sakaja, according to a new survey that highlights shifting voter preferences in the capital.
babu owino takes the lead
The poll, conducted by ISS Africa across Nairobi’s 17 constituencies, shows that Babu Owino currently enjoys 28.1% support, placing him ahead of Sakaja, who trails with 16.4%.
Interestingly, former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) chairperson Irungu Nyakera is also gaining ground, securing 19.2% support, making him slightly more popular than the incumbent governor.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya emerged as another contender, commanding 11.2%, mostly from his stronghold constituency.
strong backing from the youth
The survey findings highlight a generational shift in Nairobi politics, with Gen-Z voters (18–24 years) strongly rallying behind Babu Owino. An overwhelming 62% of young voters said they would choose him for governor, citing his youthful leadership style and frequent engagement with issues that resonate with them.
Owino also enjoys a solid following in Eastlands, particularly among residents aged 25–32, where 32% of respondents expressed support. His growing association with the Kenya Moja movement has further boosted his visibility, even as he insists that he will contest for the seat with or without ODM’s backing.
sakaja’s political troubles
Governor Sakaja’s support base largely stems from voters aligned with President William Ruto’s administration. However, his tenure has been marred by controversy, including a recent impeachment attempt by Nairobi MCAs over alleged failure to deliver on key promises.
One of the contentious issues involves the stalled bursary allocation program, which MCAs claimed had negatively affected school-going children. Sakaja defended his record, explaining that the delays were linked to an official ban on bursary distribution.
Despite the criticism, Sakaja pointed out that his administration has disbursed Ksh 1.6 billion in bursaries in just three years—compared to Ksh 3 billion distributed by all previous governors combined.
shifting political dynamics
Analysts say the poll signals a changing political landscape in Nairobi, with younger leaders like Babu Owino reshaping the city’s governance debates. Nyakera’s rise also reflects discontent among voters seeking alternative leadership, while Sakaja faces an uphill battle to reclaim trust ahead of 2027.
