Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has emerged as the front-runner in the race for City Hall, securing a commanding lead in a new opinion poll that places him ahead of key rivals in the battle for the county’s top seat.

The latest Darubini Poll released on Friday, May 22 shows Sakaja attracting 48 per cent support, putting him comfortably ahead of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who came second with 28 per cent. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino placed third with 17 per cent, while businesswoman Agnes Kagure garnered 9 per cent support. About 3 per cent of respondents remained undecided.

The survey findings suggest that Sakaja has strengthened his political grip in the capital as early political realignments continue to shape the race towards the next general election.

According to the poll, the governor’s support is linked to visible county initiatives and youth-focused programmes implemented under his administration.

Research findings cited projects such as the Dishi na County programme, Nairobi CBD refurbishment efforts and youth employment initiatives as some of the factors driving Sakaja’s popularity, particularly among middle-class residents and younger voters.

The results also underline the growing competition around City Hall, with Gakuya and Babu Owino continuing to maintain notable support bases as Nairobi politics intensifies ahead of the next election cycle.

However, political analysts have previously observed that Nairobi’s political landscape remains fluid, with alliances and voter preferences expected to shift as the election period draws closer.