Babu and Sifuna lead in Nairobi’s Political Race.

According to an opinion poll conducted by one of the country’s media outlets, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for Nairobi’s Senate and gubernatorial seats.

The survey, conducted among 500 registered voters in Nairobi County, indicates that the two leaders currently enjoy a significant lead over their closest rivals. The poll carries a margin of error of ±4.4 percent.

In the Nairobi gubernatorial race, Babu Owino, who serves as Embakasi East MP, is reported to have garnered 42 percent support. This places him 24 points ahead of the incumbent governor, Johnson Sakaja, who polled at 17.6 percent.

The findings also suggest growing dissatisfaction among a section of Nairobi residents regarding the county administration, with many respondents rating the governor’s performance as either fair or poor.

Among the key issues influencing voter sentiment were unemployment and insecurity, cited by 24 percent of respondents, followed by the rising cost of living at 20 percent. Concerns around garbage collection, sanitation, and infrastructure were also mentioned, though they ranked lower in priority.

In the Senate race, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna leads with 47.5 percent support, far ahead of Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, who polled 21.6 percent.The poll indicates that Sifuna maintains a strong support base as speculation grows over whether he will defend his Senate seat or pursue other political ambitions.

The survey further points to a fragmented political landscape in Nairobi. While Babu Owino appears to command a consolidated opposition base, candidates linked to the ruling coalition are seen as splitting votes among themselves.In the Senate contest, Sifuna’s lead could also face competition from Jalang’o, who is widely viewed as having influence within the presidential administration.

Ultimately, analysts suggest that Nairobi’s political outcome may depend on whether parties allied to the government can unite behind a single candidate or remain divided, a scenario that could strengthen Babu Owino’s chances in the race.