An emerging political lineup being assembled by the Linda Mwananchi in Nairobi is increasingly pointing to a future without DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and his party.
The latest indication came on Saturday when Siaya Governor James Orengo confirmed that former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo will contest the Nairobi Woman Representative seat under the Linda Mwananchi political banner.
Orengo, a leading figure in the outfit, announced Odhiambo’s candidacy after hosting her at his office, ending weeks of speculation about her next political move.
Her entry immediately sets up a direct contest with DCP, which has already publicly identified former Nairobi Woman Representative Millicent Omanga as its preferred candidate for the same seat.
The move has been interpreted as further evidence that Linda Mwananchi will not enter a joint electoral arrangement with Gachagua’s party for 2027.
Sources within the movement indicate that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino remains the preferred candidate for Nairobi Governor in 2027. His anticipated bid would place him against incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja should the latter seek re-election.
DCP, however, has already signaled support for Embakasi North MP James Gakuya in the gubernatorial race, creating another potential battleground between the two camps.
The separation is also becoming evident in the senatorial contest.
While earlier political discussions had floated the possibility of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna being considered for a deputy presidential role within a united opposition arrangement, sources within ODM now indicate that the senator is expected to defend his seat in 2027.
If the current calculations hold, Linda Mwananchi’s Nairobi ticket could feature Babu Owino for governor, Faith Odhiambo for woman representative and Edwin Sifuna for senator.
Notably absent from that lineup is any DCP-backed candidate.
The latest developments come amid growing questions over whether Gachagua’s influence in the opposition will extend beyond his traditional Mt Kenya base and whether parties associated with Linda Mwananchi are willing to cede key urban positions to DCP like Gachagua had hinted weeks ago.
Nairobi is emerging as one of the earliest indicators that opposition unity ahead of 2027 may prove far more difficult than previously anticipated.
