Babu Owino Vows to Run for Nairobi Governor Solo If ODM Blocks Him
Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili Babu, popularly known as Babu Owino, has announced his intention to contest the Nairobi governorship in the 2027 General Election with or without ODM’s endorsement.
In recent media interviews, the legislator said he will run as an independent candidate if ODM denies him the ticket, citing internal party dynamics that may favour the incumbent, Governor Johnson Sakaja.
“I know ODM may not give me the ticket because Johnson Sakaja was endorsed in the Bomas of Kenya,” Owino said, referring to the National Dialogue Forum where Sakaja got cross-party support.
Owino faulted ODM’s support for what he called a “broad-based government” saying his opposition to such alignments will affect his chances of getting the nomination. But he remains loyal to ODM party leader Raila Odinga, likening their political relationship to that of a father and son.
“In a family set-up, a father can love one child more than another but that cannot make me bitter with my father or hate him. He is Baba. He is someone I have always believed in,” he said.
Sakaja Criticisms
Owino intensified his criticism of Sakaja’s administration, saying the Nairobi County Government has poor drainage infrastructure, financial mismanagement and governance failures.
He pointed to the delayed release of the ad hoc committee report on the county’s revenue collection system and declining revenue performance as indicators of poor leadership. He also cited the breakdown of law and order during protests, saying Sakaja’s administration has failed to uphold proper governance protocols.
“The Governor has failed. There is no implementation of oversight recommendations and Nairobians are suffering under bad governance,” he said.
Owino said Nairobi needs a leadership change and he is overqualified for the job, referencing his experience dating back to his days as a student leader at Student Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU).
Political Position and Career BackgroundBabu Owino was first elected to the National Assembly in 2017 on an ODM ticket and is serving his second term for Embakasi East Constituency. He has over the years become a vocal politician within the party and a fierce critic of other political formations.
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While Owino has announced his gubernatorial bid, some have asked him to consider running for president. But he has not said so publicly about the presidential race in 2027.
ODM has not issued a statement on gubernatorial nominations or whether Owino will be considered for the Nairobi seat. The party is still reviewing its position on alliances and candidate endorsements ahead of 2027 General Election.
Babu Owino Vows to Run for Nairobi Governor Solo If ODM Blocks Him
