Former Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero is the most preferred UDA candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial race in the 2027 general elections, according to latest report by the Centre for African Progress (CAP).

At the same time, CAP survey shows that the current Member of Parliament for Kasarani Constituency Ronald Karauri, is the second most suitable UDA candidate after Kidero.

“There seems to be wide consensus that the current Governor, H.E Johnson Sakaja, will not be the candidate for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA),” read part of the report.

The underdog status for the UDA candidate is based on the reality that a formidable coalition of opposition leaders will have a say over a larger portion of Nairobi votes.

“Due to intense interest from some quarters regarding the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race, CAP zeroed in on the UDA side which goes into the 2027 contest as an underdog,” read part of the report. 

Kidero has a higher name recognition, a more solid political experience, and a better understanding of Nairobi gubernatorial politics

Karauri is youthful but beyond that, he carries no other political strength that Kidero lacks.

For the runningmate position in the Nairobi gubernatorial race in 2027, Agnes Kagure emerged the best with 36%, James Muchiri 16%, John Kiarie, 12%, Mark Mwenje 10%, Karen Nyamu 8%, Richard Ngatia 8%, Beatrice Elachi 6% while 4% said none of the above. 

A mixed-method approach was employed in this research undertaking, meaning both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Observations, focus groups, interviews, and case studies were utilized.

The study ran from 13th to 20th of February 2026 as 4,000 registered Nairobi voters were used for the quantitative part of the study.