The DCP Party boss expressed optimism his party would capture a dominant share of the capital’s elective seats.
However, those calculations are facing a new test. This is following the rapid rise of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi Movement, which has begun building a visible political presence in the city.
Sifuna’s growing profile has introduced a new dynamic into Nairobi’s opposition politics, potentially complicating Gachagua’s earlier strategy of consolidating the city under DCP and its allies.
The two leaders could find themselves on the same side of the political divide nationally as opposition forces seek to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
In Nairobi, however, their political interests could increasingly collide as their respective formations seek to recruit candidates, build grassroots networks and win elective positions.
The result could be an unusual political arrangement in which Gachagua and Sifuna are allies on the broader national opposition agenda, while simultaneously becoming rivals in Nairobi.
Gachagua has been particularly bullish about his party's prospects in the capital.
In November 2025, he said DCP, working with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, was targeting the governorship, Senate and a large majority of parliamentary and county assembly seats.
He said the alliance was targeting 16 of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies and 75 of the 85 county assembly wards.
By July 2026, Gachagua was still maintaining that DCP would become a major force in Nairobi. He claimed that the party and its allies could secure a majority of the 17 parliamentary seats, while his analysis projected DCP winning 62 of the 85 county assembly wards.
“Between DCP and Wiper, we'll take 16 out of 17," the DCP leader declared.
Political commentator Caleb Burudi said Sifuna’s emergence has changed the calculations around the capital.
“Rather than one opposition camp having uncontested space in the city, the rise of Sifuna introduces another centre of mobilisation and influence,” Burudi said. “Their interests may converge in challenging President Ruto nationally, while remaining competitive in Nairobi, where each side will seek to maximise its share of elective seats.”
Sifuna’s growing national profile has also been reflected in recent opinion polling.
A Tifa survey released in July showed his support among presidential contenders rising from 10 per cent in May to 15 per cent in June 2026. The survey described him as the fastest-rising opposition figure, while Gachagua’s support stood at seven per cent.
While the poll was national rather than a Nairobi-specific survey, Sifuna has simultaneously been increasing his political activity in the capital.
On September 13, 2026, he led Linda Mwananchi on a major mobilisation tour that took him through All Saints Cathedral, Marikiti, Gikomba, Burma Market, Stage 17, B Centre and Manyanja before culminating in a rally at Jacaranda Grounds.
Media reports described large crowds accompanying the procession through parts of the city.
The mobilisation has strengthened the perception that Linda Mwananchi wants to establish itself as a significant political force in Nairobi, a city that has historically been an important opposition stronghold.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo has argued that Sifuna's movement could attract substantial support in the capital.
The legislator claims that ODM has lost its previous dominance in Nairobi and that Linda Mwananchi is positioning itself to occupy political space that once belonged to the party.
“ODM is dead in Nairobi, and Linda Mwananchi will rule henceforth,” he said.
The contest is already beginning to take shape at constituency level.
Nairobi DCP patron Irungu Nyakera is expected to contest the Makadara parliamentary seat on the DCP ticket, while former Makadara MP Ruben Ndolo has been aligning himself with Linda Mwananchi and could use the movement’s political vehicle if he decides to seek the seat again.
Other potential clashes are emerging in Embakasi West, where MP Mark Mwenje has aligned himself with Gachagua, and Kamukunji, where MP Yusuf Hassan has moved from Jubilee to DCP.
The gubernatorial contest could provide an even clearer illustration of the competing opposition interests.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya is seeking the Nairobi governor's position on the DCP ticket and has already begun engaging residents in areas including Kasarani and Ruai. He has been accompanied by DCP-aligned politicians, including Nairobi Woman Representative aspirant Millicent Omanga.
Gakuya, however, could face a crowded field. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has remained associated with Linda Mwananchi and has backed Sifuna’s national political ambitions, although he has indicated that he may use another party for his Nairobi gubernatorial bid.
Babu has expressed confidence in his own governor ambitions, saying he intends to become Nairobi governor.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has also declared her intention to contest the governor's seat on the Kenya Moja Movement ticket. She has, however, sought cooperation with Linda Mwananchi and called on Sifuna and other opposition leaders to work with her political formation.
The Woman Representative contest is similarly shaping up as another area of competition.
Omanga, who unsuccessfully contested the seat in 2022, is expected to seek the DCP ticket. On the other side, former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo has entered the race and has been endorsed by leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli said the growing number of candidates and formations means Gachagua cannot simply assume that broader opposition support will translate automatically into DCP victories.
“The eventual outcome will depend on factors including party nominations, coalition arrangements, individual candidates, grassroots mobilisation and how Nairobi voters respond to the competing political messages as the 2027 election approaches,” Kasembeli said.
For now, Nairobi presents a political paradox for Gachagua and Sifuna. Their broader opposition interests may bring them together nationally, but the battle for City Hall, Parliament and the county assembly is likely to put their political machines in direct competition.
