Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has declared interest in securing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race in 2027, adding another contender to the growing contest for the party's nomination.
Karauri, who was elected on an independent ticket in 2022, has indicated that he is interested in joining ODM but has not formally secured the party's ticket.
Speaking during an interview with Alex Mwakideu in a podcast uploaded on October 29, 2026, the legislator distanced himself from suggestions that he was preparing to contest under the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“I am not the UDA candidate yet. In fact, the party I am looking at is ODM. We are waiting to see what happens around that. Natafuta hiyo ticket ya ODM, wacha tuone vile kutakuwa,” he said.
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Karauri also disclosed that he had spoken to the ODM chairman about beginning campaign tours across Nairobi.
His interest in the party ticket places him in a potentially competitive nomination contest involving other politicians seeking to challenge Governor Johnson Sakaja in the next General Election.
Why the ODM ticket matters in Nairobi
ODM has an established political presence in Nairobi, making its nomination an attractive option for aspirants seeking to build support across the county.
Karauri's interest comes as questions continue to emerge over Governor Sakaja's political plans for 2027. Elected on a UDA ticket in 2022, the governor has faced speculation about a possible move to ODM, although he has not formally confirmed such a switch.
The question of who will carry the ODM flag has consequently become an important part of the city's unfolding political contest.
Karauri has previously demonstrated an ability to compete in elective politics. In the 2022 General Election, he won the Kasarani parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, securing 32,406 votes against John Njoroge's 30,444.
However, expanding that support to the entire county would require building alliances across Nairobi's constituencies and wards.
Aladwa also seeks Nairobi governor seat
Karauri is not the only politician interested in the ODM ticket.
Makadara MP George Aladwa, who also serves as ODM's Nairobi chairman, has declared his intention to contest the governorship.
Aladwa brings considerable experience in Nairobi politics, having previously served as mayor of the former Nairobi City Council between 2011 and 2013.
His bid has also attracted support from party representatives. In September 2026, more than 20 ODM members of the Nairobi County Assembly publicly endorsed him for the governorship.
The endorsement gives Aladwa an organised political base within the county assembly as the party's nomination contest takes shape.
His position as Nairobi ODM chairman also places him at the centre of the party's local political activities, although the nomination will ultimately depend on the party's selection process.
Sakaja faces questions over political alignment
Sakaja's political future is another important factor in the contest.
The governor was elected on a UDA ticket but has faced calls from some political players to consider joining ODM ahead of the 2027 election.
However, the possibility of him seeking the ODM ticket has encountered resistance from sections of the party.
In September, ODM delegates in Nairobi reportedly opposed attempts to give Sakaja the party's gubernatorial ticket, instead backing Aladwa as their preferred candidate.
This position could complicate any effort by the incumbent to secure the party's nomination if he decides to leave UDA.
The competing interests of Karauri, Aladwa and Sakaja therefore raise questions about how ODM will balance party loyalty, grassroots support and political alliances when selecting its Nairobi candidate.
A competitive race ahead of 2027
Karauri's next challenge will be to demonstrate that his political support extends beyond Kasarani and can attract voters across Nairobi's diverse constituencies.
Aladwa, meanwhile, will seek to build on his position within ODM and the support he has received from county assembly representatives.
For Sakaja, the immediate question remains the political platform he will use to pursue a second term.
As the 2027 General Election approaches, the competition for Nairobi's governorship is increasingly taking shape around party nominations, political alliances and the candidates' ability to build support across the county.