With the imminent exit of Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi as he sets his political sights on Bungoma, the weighty responsibility of marshalling the Luhya nation in Nairobi now squarely rests on the broad shoulders of Makadara MP Hon. George Omwera Aladwa. And if political signals are anything to go by, Aladwa is not just ready — he is already leading.
A seasoned political operator, Hon. Aladwa — the last mayor of Nairobi and current ODM Nairobi County Chair — is emerging as the de facto Luhya kingpin in the city. A fearless street veteran with roots deep in Nairobi’s urban politics, Aladwa’s rise is neither accidental nor circumstantial. It’s the product of years of loyalty, strategy, and a grassroots-first approach that resonates deeply with Nairobi’s urban electorate.
Observers within both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza see Aladwa as the bridge between two worlds — a graduate of the political schools of both H.E. Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. As Raila signals a potential working relationship with State House, Aladwa is increasingly being viewed as the middleman — the voice of reason who has maintained close ties with both camps without losing credibility on either side.
“Ever since Raila began warming up to Ruto, Hon. Aladwa has quietly become the go-between. He is the man the State listens to, and the one the streets respect,” remarked a top political commentator familiar with Nairobi’s political pulse.
Indeed, Aladwa’s influence in the capital cannot be understated. His role during the recent Saba Saba demonstrations cemented his stature as a peace-first politician. While others fanned the flames of street chaos, Aladwa — flanking Raila at Serena Hotel — stood tall, calling for a peaceful remembrance of the 1990 heroes. His calm, commanding presence was not lost on observers.
“Aladwa is no longer just the MP for Makadara. He is the voice of moderation, the glue holding Nairobi ODM together, and the emerging political face of the Luhya nation in the capital,” says a veteran journalist.
The looming by-election in Westlands will be his first major test post-Wanyonyi. There is growing pressure on Aladwa to ensure the seat not only remains within ODM but also in the hands of the Mulembe nation. Kitusuru MCA Alvin Palapala has thrown his hat in the ring, and insiders believe that whoever Aladwa endorses will have a significant head start.
Beyond Westlands, the bigger question is: how will Aladwa steer Nairobi’s over 800,000-strong Luhya vote bloc in 2027? With the city’s gubernatorial, senatorial, and parliamentary races in the offing, all eyes are on the ODM county boss.
He has already proven himself as a defender of party unity, a mobilizer of masses, and an effective negotiator behind closed doors. Whether in City Hall intrigues or national coalitions, Aladwa is the quiet strategist who delivers where it counts.
As the political temperature begins to rise ahead of 2027, one thing is increasingly clear: Hon. George Aladwa is not just the last man standing — he is the Luhya nation’s top general in Nairobi’s battlefield. And for anyone seeking political traction in the capital, the road may very well pass through Makadara.
