Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has told off leaders eyeing his position, insisting that the people of Nairobi are not as stupid, as they imagine.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sakaja said it is sad that people elected to serve in other capacities are already thinking of other positions to vie for yet they still have over three years to serve in the positions they currently hold.
He said that such character is what differentiates between a politician and a leader, adding that leaders think about the future, while politicians only think of the next position to vie for.
The governor insisted that despite this, city residents know who to give the job to when 2027 comes.
He added that his current focus is on serving the people of Nairobi fully and delivering on his campaign pledges.
Sakaja urged all elected leaders to focus on doing their jobs and let the people be the judges, based on what one will have done, come the next general elections.
"Watu wa Nairobi si wajinga. Wanajua mtu wa kupatia kazi (Nairobi people are not stupid. They know who to give the job)... For now, my focus is serving the people of Nairobi.
"To all those who want to vie, this is the time to work. We shall meet in 2027. Let everybody do their work, the people will decide and judge based on what you have done," the governor said on Radio Jambo.
Sakaja's remarks come even as two ODM elected MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East) and Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands) have publicly expressed interest in the gubernatorial position.
Babu, a second-term MP has termed himself as the best politician and that he's popular in the current government.
He has lately been a critic of Sakaja's administration. Late last year, the two engaged in a heated spat on X over the same.
Wanyonyi on his part, has continued to exude confidence that he is the best man for the job.
In the 2022 elections, the Westlands MP eyed the seat but dropped out following an Azimio coalition deal in favour of Polycarp Igathe who lost to Sakaja.
The race could also see many leaders come forth including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
