Babu Owino Vows to Run for Nairobi Governor With or Without ODM

• Jul 24, 2025

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced that he will run for Nairobi governor in 2027, whether or not he secures the ODM party ticket. His statement comes amid growing uncertainty over ODM’s direction in Nairobi politics and its relationship with the current governor, Johnson Sakaja.

Speaking in an interview with Eastleigh Voice on Thursday, Babu Owino insisted that his relationship with ODM leader Raila Odinga remains intact, regardless of the party’s future decisions. “Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, despite being my party leader, is my personal friend,” Babu said. “Even if he does not give me the party ticket, it will not affect our relationship.”

He stressed that he would not hold a grudge if denied the ticket and would instead chart his own path, just as Odinga did during his political rise. “That will not make me bitter towards him as Baba. I will chart my political course,” he said.

This declaration comes months after ODM leaders appeared to warm up to Governor Sakaja during a February prayer meeting at Bomas, sparking speculation about a possible endorsement. Some ODM MPs urged the governor to work more closely with the party.

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga later dismissed these claims, clarifying that the party had not endorsed Sakaja. “Babu Owino is a strong member of the ODM Party, and nobody can deny him any position if we go for fair party primaries,” Wanga said in an interview on Ramogi FM.

Babu has recently intensified criticism of Sakaja’s administration, blaming it for poor service delivery in Nairobi. He pointed to issues such as erratic water supply, bad roads, broken drainage systems, and widespread garbage mismanagement. He also claimed the city’s high taxes and permit costs were discouraging investment.

“The taxes are exorbitant, and City Hall as a whole is corrupt,” he said. He further alleged that contractors are being asked to pay bribes to receive their dues, calling the situation “madness.”

On governance, he criticised the Nairobi County Assembly, saying it had been compromised and could not effectively hold the governor to account. “The house leadership are dining with the governor,” he said.

Babu praised the performance of the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) under General Mohamed Badi, saying it outperformed Sakaja’s government.

He also questioned the transparency of the county’s Dishi na County school feeding programme. “The idea is good, but there’s no public accountability on how the funds are used,” he said.

Asked why he believes Nairobians should vote for him, Babu pointed to his popularity and performance. “My track record speaks for itself. I’ve been ranked among the best-performing MPs—why shouldn’t Nairobi get the best?” he posed.