Journalist John Rapando, popularly known as Papanoo/HANDOUT

Journalist John Rapando, popularly known as Papanoo, is eyeing the Mountain View Ward MCA seat in what could set the stage for an interesting political showdown against incumbent Maurice Ochieng.

Rapando is reportedly positioning himself for his first stab at elective city politics, with his entry poised to reshape the political landscape in Mountain View Ward.

The journalist, who is aligned with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, is now setting his sights on unseating Ochieng, who is serving his third term as the area's MCA.

In his political pitch, Papanoo said his possible candidature is driven by the need to champion the interests of the community and address what he considers years of unequal development and political marginalisation.

"Yes, yes, it is something that I am seriously considering, with my vision being having the local community protected from divisive politics so that they can gain equal development. For the last 10 years, I think they have not gotten their correct development share, and this is the correct time," he told journalists.

Mountain View Ward MCA Maurice Ochieng/HANDOUT

However, the aspiring politician has remained tight-lipped on the political party whose ticket he intends to use, saying consultations with his supporters will determine his next move.

"I will consult with my people and give appropriate directions at the correct time. What is important now..." he added.

His entry into the race could introduce a new political dimension in Mountain View, particularly given his association with Sakaja and his proposed agenda of mobilising the area’s community around equitable development.

For Ochieng, who has held the seat for three consecutive terms, the prospect of facing a fresh challenger with a media background and an emerging political profile could make the next contest particularly interesting.

Whether Papanoo will eventually take the political plunge remains to be seen. But one thing is clear; Mountain View's MCA race could be shaping up into an intriguing battle between an established political incumbent and a journalist seeking to make his first mark in elective politics.