Sakaja Out: New Survey Reveals Who Kenyans Prefer to Become Nairobi Governor in 2027

Details have emerged on who Kenyans prefer to become Nairobi governor in the 2027 election after a new opinion poll placed Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and businesswoman Agnes Kagure in a closely fought contest for the county’s top seat.

According to the survey conducted by Mwelekeo Insights, Babu Owino emerged as the preferred candidate to become Nairobi governor, narrowly leading Kagure by only two votes.Owino, who is associated with The Movement Party, garnered 483 votes, representing 22.4 per cent of the total responses.

Kagure, who is linked to the Kenya Patriotic Party, followed closely with 481 votes, accounting for 22.3 per cent.

The results show a tight contest between the two aspirants as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Owino has gained political prominence through his role as the elected representative of the Embakasi East Constituency. Kagure, meanwhile, is a businesswoman seeking to lead Nairobi County in the next election.

The survey attracted 2,157 respondents, with all the votes counted as valid, according to the published findings.Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who is associated with the United Democratic Alliance, secured third place after receiving 348 votes, representing 16.1 per cent of the responses.

The findings also showed that incumbent Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was absent from the top four candidates highlighted in the survey.

Sakaja’s absence is notable as political discussions surrounding the 2027 gubernatorial contest continue to attract attention. However, the results do not establish whether he intends to defend his seat or how he would perform in a wider election contest.

Meanwhile, James Gakuya, who is associated with the Democracy for Citizens Party, received 34 votes, representing 1.6 per cent, placing him eighth.

The category labelled Others attracted 22 votes, equivalent to one per cent of the total responses.The survey comes amid calls from professionals in Nyeri County urging Kagure to consider vying for the county’s gubernatorial position instead of Nairobi.

Mwelekeo Insights specialises in collecting and analysing public views on politics, governance, economic affairs and consumer behaviour.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the poll offers an early snapshot of support for the aspirants featured, although the findings alone cannot determine the eventual winner of the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

ProfAmor [email protected]