TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Kenya's capital, Nairobi, is set for a political showdown in the 2027 gubernatorial election.

Seasoned businesswoman Agnes Kagure has exuded confidence that she will unseat incumbent governor, Johnson Sakaja. In a post on her X account, Kagure shared a throwback reflection from 2022, saying she has learned from her mistakes and is sealing all loopholes.

“A TBT with lots of lessons but more importantly, hope. We are sealing all the previous loopholes and in 2027, mambo itakuwa best. Nairobi must rise!” Kagure said.

Kagure contested for the gubernatorial seat in 2022 as an independent candidate. She faced a crowded field, including Sakaja, who won the race and Polycarp Igathe, who came second.

Harman Grewal came third, narrowly defeating Kagure, who finished in fourth position.

Kagure views that experience as a stepping stone to victory in her upcoming bid. She hinted at a more robust strategy that includes intensified grassroots mobilisation and a clearer articulation of her vision for Nairobi.

Her campaign for Nairobi's top seat is already gaining traction, bolstered by endorsements from influential groups like a section of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, who in September 2024 pledged to back her.

The businesswoman’s optimism is further fueled by growing discontent with Sakaja’s administration. Critics have pointed to issues such as the harassment of traders, uncollected garbage, and inadequate support for education as evidence of his underwhelming tenure.

Kagure is leveraging this sentiment by presenting herself as a leader who understands Nairobi’s diverse population and can provide real solutions.

She has a background as a philanthropist and a community advocate, particularly through the Agnes Kagure Foundation, which focuses on empowering youth and women.

On February 10, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga publicly endorsed Sakaja for a second term during a prayer event at the Bomas of Kenya.

The occasion, organised by ODM’s Women’s Chapter to bless Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, saw him express confidence in Sakaja’s leadership.

The endorsement was amplified by key ODM figures who urged Sakaja to ditch his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and join ODM.

However, Raila’s endorsement stirred controversy within ODM, particularly among hopeful aspirants like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who are also reportedly eying the Nairobi governorship.

Babu, a staunch Raila ally, downplayed the endorsement, asserting his own support from God and Kenyans, while subtly questioning Sakaja’s loyalty to Raila.

Source: TUKO.co.ke