Given his past role as governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko is well-positioned to win back the seat with the assistance of President Ruto. Sources suggest that the president has disclosed to his inner circle his firm desire to retain the Nairobi Governor’s seat through Mr Sonko. The outcome of the next gubernatorial race will also hinge on whether ODM leader Raila Odinga emerges triumphant in his pursuit of the African Union Commission chairmanship, without Mr. Odinga’s influence on the local political scene, predicting the race would become a much simpler task
By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Political realignments in Nairobi County appear to be shifting gradually in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, with a section of politicians allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua even attempting to sever political ties with President William Ruto. The Kikuyu community in Nairobi has declared that the next governor must come from their ranks. It will be exciting to observe which candidate the community will endorse to challenge Governor Johnson Sakaja for the position.
Reliable sources indicate that there is a strong possibility of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko staging a political comeback in city politics, provided he receives clearance and support from President Ruto. The importance of Sonko coming back as governor for the president cannot be overstated. According to the president’s inner circle, Mr. Sonko would bring a wealth of experience in city politics and a strong political following, which would greatly benefit the president’s political aspirations in the city.
Given his past role as governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko is well-positioned to win back the seat with the assistance of President Ruto. Sources suggest that the president has disclosed to his inner circle his firm desire to retain the Nairobi Governor’s seat through Mr Sonko. The outcome of the next gubernatorial race will also hinge on whether ODM leader Raila Odinga emerges triumphant in his pursuit of the African Union Commission chairmanship, without Mr. Odinga’s influence on the local political scene, predicting the race would become a much simpler task.
Analysts say Mr Sonko’s popularity among residents of Nairobi would tip the scale in President Ruto’s favour in the next elections. Following Mr. Sonko’s impeachment by the Nairobi City County Assembly, he has actively been contesting the decision and seeking the reversal of the Assembly decision through legal channels at the East African Court of Justice, based in Arusha. Those who have closely followed his recent activities will agree that he is gradually moving in to claim his previous position in city politics and has effectively rejuvenated numerous aspects of his operations, with a particular focus on empowering the youth.
It has been reported that President Ruto has been keeping a close watch on the challenges Governor Johnson Sakaja is faced with both at City Hall and in UDA party. The reality is that in 2027, the president will not depend on the Kikuyu voters in Nairobi to reclaim his seat. Observers argue that any presidential contender aiming to emerge victorious must have substantial support in the city. The president is allegedly exploring options for substituting the Kikuyu vote in Nairobi by focusing on gaining support from the Kamba and Luhya communities. To secure the support of the Kamba community in Nairobi, the president is devising a plan to involve Mr Sonko. The president is well aware of Mr Sonko’s potential as a skilled politician, his favourable reputation among voters, and his financial strength, attributes that can effectively sway votes in his favour.
The President acknowledges that Mr. Sonko’s support base transcends ethnic and religious lines, with a strong presence of young voters in his camp. The strategy is to secure Mr Sonko’s clearance, either by the Arusha-based court or by a constitutional amendment allowing impeached governors to run for public office. Those advocating for Sonko’s candidacy for the gubernatorial seat suggest that should the revolt against Governor Sakaja intensify, President Ruto will likely advise against him running again in 2027 for a governmental appointment. If the arrangement is realized, it will be a decisive moment for both Mike Sonko and ODM candidate Tim Wanyonyi. The third contender is likely to be a Kikuyu candidate, championed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
