Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced he will run for Nairobi Governor in 2027 with or without the backing of his party, ODM. He admitted the party may sideline him due to his criticism of the broad-based government deal but insisted he is prepared to vie as an independent.
Owino, a fierce critic of Governor Johnson Sakaja, accused the county boss of poor governance, mismanagement, and failure to implement key oversight measures. He said Nairobi needs new leadership and believes his track record, from student politics to Parliament, qualifies him for the job.
While affirming his loyalty to ODM leader Raila Odinga, Owino said that respect does not mean blind support. He also acknowledged growing calls for him to seek the presidency, though he has yet to confirm whether he will take up that challenge.
“I know ODM may not give me the ticket because Johnson Sakaja was endorsed in the Bomas of Kenya,” Owino noted in a past interview.
“I am criticising the broad-based government because it is the right thing to do. As a leader, I can not see wrong and support it in a public forum, not even in private,” he added.