Mwelekeo Insights: Sifuna leads Nairobi Senate poll as Ken Babu emerges as strongest challenger

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as the most preferred candidate for the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, according to a poll by Mwelekeo Insights.

The survey placed Sifuna first with 43.6 per cent, giving the ODM secretary-general an early advantage as political parties begin positioning candidates for the Nairobi race.

Youthful Democracy for the Citizens Party aspirant Ken Babu finished second with 29.3 per cent, establishing himself as Sifuna’s closest challenger in the poll.

Babu’s performance placed him ahead of established politicians listed in the survey and gave DCP a visible presence in Nairobi politics.

Ken Babu gains ground in Nairobi politics

The poll showed Babu trailing Sifuna by 14.3 percentage points, a gap that leaves the DCP aspirant within striking distance as the 2027 political contest develops.

His second-place finish is significant for DCP, which is seeking to expand beyond its Mt Kenya support base and establish itself as a competitive political force in Nairobi.

Babu has increasingly presented himself as a youthful alternative capable of representing young people, professionals, traders and residents seeking new political leadership in the capital.

His ranking suggests he could become a central figure in the Nairobi Senate race, particularly if DCP builds a strong countywide campaign structure.

The result also gives Babu political visibility against Sifuna, one of the most prominent opposition politicians and the incumbent Nairobi senator.

Sifuna remains candidate to beat

Felix Jalang’o was ranked third with 20.1 per cent, while Kenneth Onyango received 5.2 per cent.

Undecided respondents accounted for 1.8 per cent, indicating that most participants had already identified a preferred candidate.

Sifuna’s lead reflects the advantage of incumbency, national visibility and his role as ODM secretary-general.

However, Babu’s position shows that the race may not be straightforward, especially if DCP consolidates support among younger voters and residents seeking an alternative to established parties.

Mwelekeo Insights describes itself as a research firm that collects and analyses public opinion on politics, governance, economic trends and social issues.

The poll offers an early indication of political preferences, but it should not be treated as a final prediction of the 2027 Nairobi Senate election.