Babu Owino, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, has declared his candidacy for Nairobi governor in the 2027 elections. He stated that he will run with or without support from the Orange Democratic Movement party, aiming to challenge the current leadership. Owino promises to address mismanagement and implement reforms for issues such as infrastructure and corruption.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has officially declared his Nairobi governor bid for the 2027 elections, vowing to run with or without the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s backing, according to KDRTV and Daily Nation.
In a bold YouTube interview, Owino, a vocal critic of incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, promised to tackle mismanagement, infrastructure decay, and corruption, positioning himself as a transformative leader for Nairobi’s 5.3 million residents.
His announcement, sets the stage for a heated gubernatorial race amid Kenya’s economic challenges and political realignments.
Owino, a second-term MP and former University of Nairobi student leader, emphasised his readiness to lead Nairobi, citing his political experience and grassroots support.
“If ODM supports me, well and good. If not, I’ll still be on the ballot. Nairobi needs change,” he told K24 Digital, highlighting issues like chaotic transport, soaring insecurity, and financial mismanagement under Sakaja’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) administration.
A 2023 Centre for African Progress (CAP) poll showed Owino leading with 42% voter support against Sakaja’s 23%, though a July 2025 Politrack Africa survey placed him at 35.1% behind Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s 40.2%.
Owino’s confidence stems from his populist appeal, particularly among Nairobi’s youth, who face 35% unemployment.
The ODM’s internal dynamics complicate Owino’s bid. Party leader Raila Odinga has endorsed Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi, while Makadara MP George Aladwa also seeks the ODM ticket, as reported by People Daily.
Owino’s vocal opposition to ODM’s alliance with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government has strained ties with party loyalists, prompting speculation of an independent run.
Lang’ata MP Jalang’o, a close ally, predicted Owino’s victory with or without ODM, stating, “Babu will be governor in 2027, then aim for the presidency in 2032,” during a Milele FM podcast.
However, citizen suggest Raila’s influence could lead to Owino being “rigged out” if he defies ODM.
Owino’s campaign focuses on infrastructure reforms, including fixing Nairobi’s dilapidated roads and drainage systems, which he claims have been neglected despite Ksh 380 million in World Bank funds.
He accused Sakaja of squandering these resources, a charge echoed by CAP’s Abel Oyieyo, who noted widespread dissatisfaction with Sakaja’s leadership due to corruption and poor service delivery.
Owino also plans to address insecurity, proposing community policing and better revenue collection to fund city services.
His academic credentials, a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Actuarial Science and a Bachelor of Laws, bolster his claim of being “overqualified” for the governor role, as stated on Hot 96 FM.
Rivals like Sakaja, who won in 2022 with 699,392 votes, face mounting criticism, with a March 2025 CAP poll showing him trailing at 14% behind Owino (38%) and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru (31%).
Sakaja’s potential shift to ODM, hinted at during a July 2025 event with Raila, has sparked tensions, as Owino claims greater loyalty to the party. Other contenders, including Agnes Kagure and James Gakuya, add to the crowded field, with Gakuya’s recent poll lead signaling a tight race.
Kenya’s economic woes, including a Ksh 10.9 trillion public debt and inflation, amplify the stakes.
Owino’s youth empowerment agenda, rooted in his SONU leadership, resonates with Gen Z, who led 2024 protests against economic hardship.
Netizens claim Owino could draw Kikuyu support to counter Raila’s influence, reflecting tribal dynamics in Nairobi’s politics.
Online Trends shows rising searches for “Babu Owino Nairobi governor bid 2027” and “Kenya gubernatorial election 2027,” indicating global and diaspora interest.
As the race intensifies, Owino’s independent stance and reform promises position him as a formidable contender, though ODM’s decision and voter sentiment will shape his path to City Hall.
