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The political landscape in Embakasi East is gradually coming into sharper focus, with fresh research by Intouch Polls indicating that the race for the parliamentary seat is increasingly shaping into a tight contest between Upper Savanna MCA Hon. Stazo Elijah Omungala and businessman Francis Mureithi.
According to the latest voter preference survey, Omungala currently leads the field with 37 percent support, followed by Mureithi at 31 percent. Other contenders trail at a considerable distance, with Tina Ogal at 18 percent, Patrick Karani at 7 percent, while 8 percent of voters remain undecided or prefer other candidates.
Political analysts say the findings suggest that the race is steadily evolving into a two-horse contest, with the focus shifting from the number of aspirants to the perceived strength and viability of those capable of mounting a serious challenge.
- Embakasi East Voter Preference – Intouch Polls
- Hon. Stazo Elijah Omungala — 37%
- Francis Mureithi — 31%
- Tina Ogal — 18%
- Patrick Karani — 7%
- Other Candidates — 8%
At the centre of this growing momentum is Hon. Stazo Elijah Omungala, the current Member of County Assembly for Upper Savanna Ward, whose political profile has steadily risen both locally and nationally.
Omungala’s strong showing in the poll reflects not only growing voter confidence but also the impact of his leadership record in Upper Savanna. During his tenure as MCA, he has earned praise from residents for his accessibility and hands-on approach to service delivery.
His initiatives in education, youth empowerment, and social support have particularly resonated with constituents.
Residents point to his consistent distribution of bursaries to needy students, ensuring that many families in Upper Savanna can keep their children in school despite economic hardships. In addition, Omungala has been credited with empowering youth and women through community programs, mentorship initiatives, and economic opportunities, helping many start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
These efforts have cemented his reputation as a grassroots mobiliser who remains closely connected to the everyday concerns of the people.
In a separate ranking within the same research, Omungala was also placed fourth among the best-performing MCAs in Nairobi, a recognition that has further elevated his standing among voters and within political circles.
Beyond wardlevel politics, Omungala has also carved out a notable presence on the national stage through his role as an ODM Party National Youth Leader. In that capacity, he has been actively involved in youth mobilisation and policy advocacy within the party, strengthening his credentials as a leader capable of bridging local grassroots politics with national political discourse.
His growing influence within ODM has further strengthened perceptions that he could be a formidable candidate should he formally enter the Embakasi East parliamentary race.
Interestingly, Omungala has not yet officially declared his candidacy, a move that political observers believe is tied to broader strategic calculations within the Orange Democratic Movement.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has strongly signaled his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the next general election. Current research trends place him second in the governor’s race behind incumbent Johnson Sakaja.
Should Babu Owino formally shift his focus to the gubernatorial contest, the Embakasi East parliamentary seat would effectively become open , a development likely to trigger an intense political battle among several aspirants aligned to the broad-based political formations.
Within that scenario, many analysts believe that Hon Stazo Omungala would be well positioned to secure the ODM party ticket, thanks to his strong grassroots structures and his deep networks within the party.
His influence is particularly pronounced in Upper Savanna and Lower Savanna wards, where he enjoys significant support from residents and community leaders who view him as a dependable and responsive leader.
Local leaders also speak highly of his leadership style and personal approach to politics.
“Stazo is an astute businessman, a shrewd politician and a great grassroots mobiliser. He enjoys support across the political divide, both within ODM and on the government side. He is easily accessible and his service to wananchi has been impeccable. He can make a very good Member of Parliament,” said one local community leader.
Meanwhile, Francis Mureithi continues to consolidate his own support base, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched parliamentary contests in Nairobi.
With months still remaining before the political season reaches full momentum, much will depend on how candidates mobilise on the ground, consolidate their bases, and win over undecided voters.
But if current trends are anything to go by, Hon. Stazo Elijah Omungala has already positioned himself as one of the most electable figures in the emerging Embakasi East contest — a leader whose grassroots appeal, development record, and growing national profile could play a decisive role in shaping the constituency’s political future.
