As ODM grassroots elections kicked off across the country on Wednesday, November 27, Makadara MP George Aladwa expressed optimism that working within a broad-based government will strengthen his bid to clinch the party’s top leadership position in Nairobi.
“I have served for the last 11 years as the ODM chairman in Nairobi, maintaining solid control of the city’s politics. That is the direction we need to uphold,” Aladwa said.
Aladwa, who now faces stiff competition from Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, is banking on his extensive experience. A seasoned politician, he has served as Nairobi’s ODM chairman, a two-term MP, and a former mayor. He believes this track record positions him as the best candidate to lead the party in the capital.
“I understand the politics of this city. I work with all sides of the government, and under the broad-based government, we are well-positioned,” he added.
On the other hand, Tim Wanyonyi promises to inject fresh energy into the party’s leadership. The Westlands MP, who has declared his intention to run for Nairobi Governor in the next election, has remained steadfastly loyal to ODM’s core values.
Unlike Aladwa, Wanyonyi has maintained a cautious distance from the current government, emphasizing his independence and commitment to ODM principles.
“I will not step aside for anyone in my gubernatorial bid. My focus is to bring transformative leadership to Nairobi while staying true to ODM’s vision,” Wanyonyi said.
Both leaders have deep roots in Nairobi politics, having served as councilors in the now-defunct Nairobi City Council before transitioning to Parliament.
Aladwa is currently serving his second term as Makadara MP, while Wanyonyi is in his third term as Westlands MP.
Over the past decade, Aladwa has led ODM in Nairobi as chairman, steering the party to dominate the city with a significant number of elected MPs and MCAs. His tenure as Nairobi’s mayor from 2011 to 2013 further cemented his political influence.
The upcoming elections are not just a contest for ODM’s Nairobi leadership but a pivotal moment that will shape the party’s strategy and prospects ahead of the 2027 General Election.
