Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Tony Gachoka has mocked Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s maiden campaign rally, describing the event as underwhelming as competition for the Nairobi governor’s seat begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachoka, who is positioning himself as a potential United Coalition candidate, claimed Gakuya struggled to attract an enthusiastic reception during his campaign tour of Kasarani Constituency on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
“James Gakuya faced a difficult and highly unresponsive crowd in Kasarani. The event was underwhelming,” Gachoka said on Wednesday, September 2.
The remarks came a day after Gakuya officially stepped up his Nairobi gubernatorial campaign through a series of engagements with residents of Kasarani and Ruai.
Gakuya was accompanied by Embakasi Central MP Gathiru Mwangi, popularly known as Mejja Donk, during several stopovers where the two interacted with residents and outlined their political agenda for the capital.
Several DCP-aligned aspirants also attended the engagements to show their support for Gakuya as he begins his campaign to succeed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Addressing residents during the tour, Gakuya thanked them for their support and expressed confidence about his chances in the 2027 contest.
“Mwiki, asanteni sana. Mapenzi yenu yameniweza na nimeyabeba moyoni. 2027, Governor wa Nairobi anawashukuru. Nairobi ni yetu sote. Tuko pamoja,” Gakuya said.
Gakuya Builds Nairobi Campaign
The campaign launch came shortly after Gakuya held a consultative forum with opinion shapers from Nairobi as he continued laying the groundwork for his gubernatorial bid.
The meeting was also attended by DCP-aligned Nairobi Woman Representative aspirant Millicent Omanga, who endorsed Gakuya’s candidature and expressed confidence in his ability to mount a strong challenge for the City Hall position.
Omanga said Gakuya could attract support from traders and members of the Kisii community living in Nairobi, highlighting the importance of community and business networks in the highly competitive gubernatorial contest.
Gakuya’s campaign is being developed within the wider political framework of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which is seeking to expand its influence in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 elections.
His decision to openly pursue the governor’s seat adds another dimension to an increasingly crowded contest, with several politicians positioning themselves to challenge incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Gachoka Backs Sifuna-Gachagua-Kalonzo Lineup
Gachoka has meanwhile outlined the wider political formation he would like to see take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The KANU politician has expressed support for a potential political lineup involving Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The proposed alignment illustrates the competing political calculations taking place as opposition and alternative political formations seek to assemble alliances capable of challenging President William Ruto in 2027.
Within Nairobi, the gubernatorial contest is similarly expected to become increasingly competitive as aspirants intensify grassroots mobilisation and seek endorsements from different political parties, communities and interest groups.
For Gakuya, the immediate challenge will be to convert the backing of DCP leaders and allied politicians into a broader citywide campaign.
For his competitors, including Gachoka, the early campaign activities provide an opportunity to scrutinise the strength of each aspirant’s grassroots appeal before the political contest enters a more intense phase.
With the 2027 election approaching, Nairobi is likely to remain one of the country’s most closely watched political battlegrounds.
