Kidero’s Nairobi comeback bid shakes up Sakaja-Babu battle

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s entry into the capital city’s gubernatorial race threatens to upend what had been shaping up as a two-horse race between two of the city’s fiercest rivals.

Until now, the contest was largely framed as a showdown between Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, both armed with youthful energy, grassroots clout and powerful political connections.

Kidero, a former corporate executive, boasts deep political networks in Nairobi and a formidable war chest. Yet his checkered relationship with ODM leader Raila Odinga could prove to be his biggest undoing.

Sakaja, who has carefully cultivated ties with both President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, is widely regarded as the broad-based candidate.

Raila appeared to endorse him in February as he prepared for the African Union Commission chairmanship race.

“As I head off to Addis, I want Nairobi to remain firm and united so that my man here can be focused and execute his mandate efficiently,” Raila said at a prayer service, directing ODM leaders in Nairobi to rally behind Sakaja.

That public blessing unsettled Babu Owino, who has been vocal about his 2027 gubernatorial ambitions.

The youthful legislator has since insisted he will run for the seat with or without ODM’s backing.

Now the return of Kidero, Nairobi’s first county boss, adds a new twist.

In recent weeks, Kidero has been quietly laying the ground for his comeback.

On Tuesday, he held strategy talks with MCAs Robert Alai (Kileleshwa) and Oscar Lore (Mathare North) and was scheduled to meet more ward reps by the end of the week.

A city MCA confirmed that Kidero is building momentum for a 2027 bid in Nairobi after his failed 2022 attempt in Homa Bay.

Political analyst Herman Manyora argues that Kidero remains a formidable candidate in the capital.
“Some of the things Kidero did have not been matched. It is only last year that his revenue collection record was equalled,” he said.

Manyora added that Kidero’s candidacy could hurt Babu Owino more than Sakaja.
“Kidero comes from the same community as Babu, which forms a huge voting bloc in the city,” he said, noting that Kidero’s financial muscle also gives him an edge.

“He could attract supporters who feel betrayed by Babu’s clashes with Raila.”

However, Manyora cautioned that Kidero’s baggage from his 2013–17 tenure could haunt his campaign.
“But on the other hand, he can argue that those he is competing with are not any better,” he observed.

Political commentator Dennis Mwangi said if Kidero secures the ODM ticket, the implications for Sakaja would depend on how Raila’s support base aligns.

“It could make Sakaja’s race easier if ODM’s vote splits, or harder if he loses Raila’s endorsement,” he said.

Mwangi further argued that the contest remains too far off to call, with national political dynamics likely to shape Nairobi’s outcome.

The field is also widening.

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya is expected to vie on Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party, potentially eating into Sakaja and Babu’s Mt Kenya backing.