Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has firmly stated that he will be on the ballot for Nairobi Governor in the 2027 elections—regardless of whether the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) gives him the party ticket or not.
In a bold and unapologetic tone, Owino expressed readiness to run as an independent candidate should ODM deny him its nomination.
He believes his strong opposition to the broad-based government model, which has been embraced by ODM leadership, might affect his chances of securing the party’s endorsement. Still, he insists that he’s not backing down.
Owino is among the top challengers looking to unseat current Governor Johnson Sakaja. He believes Nairobi needs a fresh start and that his leadership is what the capital is lacking.
The outspoken legislator said he is “overqualified” for the position and has a proven track record dating back to his university days when he served as SONU (Student Organisation of Nairobi University) chairman.
“I’m aware ODM may not give me the ticket because Sakaja was publicly endorsed at Bomas,” Owino explained in a previous interview.
“But I won’t stop criticising the broad-based government. Leadership means standing for the truth. I can’t witness injustice and choose to stay silent—whether in public or private.”
Despite possible friction with ODM over his position on national issues, Babu affirmed that his loyalty to ODM leader Raila Odinga remains intact. Comparing the political dynamic to a family, he said:
“In any family, a father may favour one child over the other. That doesn’t mean the other child hates the father. Raila is my political father. I’ve always looked up to him, and that hasn’t changed.”
Babu Owino has served as Embakasi East MP since 2017 under the ODM ticket and is currently in his second term. His rise in politics has been marked by resilience, youth advocacy, and an ability to galvanise public support.
In his critique of Governor Sakaja’s administration, Babu pointed out serious flaws in the county government. He accused Sakaja of poor leadership, citing issues like:
- Nairobi’s persistent drainage problems,
- Mismanagement of county finances,
- Disregard for oversight recommendations, such as failure to publish a key ad hoc report on revenue collection,
- A dramatic drop in county revenue that has remained unaddressed for over a year,
- And his general failure to uphold the rule of law during protests and public unrest.
Babu Owino says the people of Nairobi deserve better, and he believes he’s the leader to bring about that change. His confidence continues to grow as more Kenyans, particularly the youth, rally behind his leadership vision.
Interestingly, some supporters have even called on him to consider a presidential bid, though he hasn’t given a clear answer on whether he’ll pursue that path.
For now, however, Babu remains laser-focused on the Nairobi governor race, and he’s made it clear: party backing or not, he’s coming for the seat.
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