Gachoka: Orengo, Babu have a political disadvantage

KANU spokesperson and Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Tony Gachoka has expressed skepticism about the political maneuvers of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Gachoka argued that the two opposition leaders are currently at a political disadvantage as they vie for positions ahead of the 2027 general election.

These comments were made during an interview with a local radio station on September 24, 2026, where Gachoka discussed coalition-building within the opposition, the Nairobi governor race, and the distribution of political support.

The remarks come as opposition leaders are debating how to organize themselves ahead of the 2027 polls. Gachoka urged Orengo and Babu to reconsider their political strategies and stop pressuring Sifuna. He suggested that if Orengo and Babu sat down to make political calculations, they would recognize they have a political disadvantage.

Gachoka also disputed the notion that the opposition commands a 74 percent share of the national vote. He emphasized that President William Ruto and the government still have political backing in various parts of the country. Furthermore, he questioned Orengo's chances of winning re-election as Siaya governor and Babu's prospects of securing the Nairobi governorship, both of which he predicted would face political challenges.

Gachoka stated that it is highly unlikely for Orengo to be reelected as governor of Siaya, and Babu, running under his party (Linda Mwananchi), would be defeated in Nairobi.

Gachoka's political assessment does not predict the actual outcomes of the 2027 elections. He also shifted the focus to his own gubernatorial campaign, aiming to become Nairobi's first governor from the Kikuyu or Mount Kenya community. Gachoka identified himself and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya as the frontrunners in the Nairobi governor race, stating, "Gachoka and Gakuya, 110%."

The composition of party alliances, nominations, and coalition arrangements surrounding the 2027 election remains uncertain as political factions strategize.