Karen Nyamu: Gakuya would have an advantage if he galvanises Mt Kenya vote in Nairobi

Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has commented on the Nairobi gubernatorial race, emphasizing the significance of the Mt Kenya vote in the outcome. When discussing James Gakuya and incumbent Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nyamu suggested that Gakuya might start the race with an advantage if he manages to galvanize the Kikuyu vote in Nairobi.

During an interview on September 28, 2026, Nyamu praised Gakuya, stating, "Gakuya is a good guy, really, sana mtu wangu." She stressed the importance of Gakuya convincing his community, the Kikuyu, in Nairobi, saying, "If he can be able to convince his community, which is Kikuyu, if he can be able to galvanise the Kikuyu vote in Nairobi, he starts from an advantage, if you ask me."

Nyamu also warned that if Gakuya fails to consolidate the Kikuyu vote, Johnson Sakaja could secure another term as Nairobi governor. She stated her preference for incumbent Governor Sakaja over Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, expressing more confidence in Sakaja, while suggesting that Babu Owino appears overly excited about his political ambitions.

Nyamu noted that Owino needed to become more composed as he transitioned from Parliament to City Hall. She contrasted Owino's public political profile with Sakaja's more low-key approach, saying that Sakaja is working behind the scenes. The race for Nairobi governor is heating up with several candidates, including businessman and political analyst Tony Gachoka, expressing interest in succeeding incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja.