The simmering political temperatures in the Nairobi metropolitan area reached a boiling point this weekend as Embakasi North MP James Gakuya launched a scathing attack on the police following chaotic scenes at a rally in Kitengela led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The rally, intended to popularize the ODM party's grassroots elections, descended into mayhem when teargas canisters were lobbed at the dais, forcing Senator Sifuna and his entourage to flee. While the police cited an "illegal gathering," MP Gakuya, a key figure in the ruling UDA coalition, broke ranks to defend his political rival-turned-ally. "The use of excessive force against elected leaders is backward and unacceptable," Gakuya stated, termed the police action as politically motivated interference.

This unlikely defense highlights the shifting tectonic plates of Nairobi politics ahead of the 2027 general election. Gakuya, who has declared interest in the Nairobi Governor's seat, has been publicly courting Sifuna, describing him as a "Big Fish" who would be a valuable asset to any coalition. The incident in Kitengela has only strengthened the perception that a Gakuya-Sifuna alliance may be in the works, bridging the traditional UDA-ODM divide.

The ODM Factional Wars

The chaos in Kitengela is also viewed through the lens of internal ODM wrangles. Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, has been at odds with a faction allied to Oburu Oginga, with rumors of a plot to oust him from the party leadership. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-27)Gakuya seized on this, extending an open invitation to Sifuna to join his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) if pushed out. "If they chase you from the house you built, we have a room for you," Gakuya remarked.

Key Political Takeaways

• Nairobi 2027 Alignment: The Gakuya-Sifuna axis represents a formidable "Handshake" style lineup for the capital.
• Police Neutrality: The incident raises fresh questions about the independence of the police in managing opposition gatherings.
• Coalition Fragility: Gakuya's defense of an opposition Senator signals that regional interests are beginning to supersede party loyalty.

As the dust settles in Kitengela, the message is clear: The road to the 2027 ballot will be paved with teargas, betrayal, and unlikely friendships. For James Gakuya, defending Sifuna is not just about civil rights; it is a calculated move on the chessboard of Nairobi power.

"Nairobi politics cannot be complete without Sifuna," Gakuya affirmed. "We cannot wish him away."