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Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa officially declared his candidacy for the Nairobi Governor's seat in the 2027 general election on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Speaking to the press in Nairobi, Aladwa affirmed his commitment to running on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, stating it is the most viable platform for securing the capital's top job.

Context

Aladwa's early declaration signals the commencement of political maneuvering for the influential Nairobi gubernatorial position, a seat often seen as a bellwether for national political trends. His assertion that ODM is the preferred vehicle for aspirants underscores the party's continued significance in Nairobi politics. The announcement comes more than two years ahead of the next general election, indicating a prolonged campaign period and potential shifts in political alliances.

Stakeholders

The declaration by Aladwa immediately places him among the prospective candidates for the ODM party's nomination. Other potential aspirants within ODM and rival parties are expected to respond to this early move. Political analysts suggest that such early declarations could influence public debate and policy execution in the near term, with stakeholders calling for clarity on campaign timelines, associated costs, and electoral safeguards.

Evidence/Data

• Date of Declaration: Thursday, October 2, 2025.
• Declared Party Affiliation: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
• Office Sought: Nairobi Governor.
• Source: Press briefing by George Aladwa.

Risks/Implications

An early declaration could lead to prolonged political campaigns, potentially diverting focus from governance and service delivery. It may also intensify internal party competition within ODM, necessitating robust nomination processes to maintain party unity. For Nairobi residents, the early political activity could bring increased scrutiny to the performance of the current county government and the promises of aspiring leaders.

What to Watch

Observers will be keen to see how other potential candidates react to Aladwa's declaration, particularly within ODM and the broader Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition. The nature of internal party primaries and the eventual selection of candidates will be critical. Additionally, the policy platforms that Aladwa and other aspirants articulate will be closely watched to understand their vision for Nairobi's development.