Embakasi South MP Babu Owino faces a difficult political decision in his bid to become Nairobi governor in 2027, with his next move likely to make or break his political future.
The outspoken legislator, popularly known as Babu, first entered Parliament in 2017 after defeating former MP Joseph Oguttu on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
In the 2022 elections, Babu defeated Francis Mureithi of the United Democratic Alliance, although the race was highly contested, with supporters of both candidates clashing on several occasions.
Before joining Parliament, Babu was a long-serving student leader and is considered among the more educated politicians in the country. He also now practices as a lawyer.
He has been one of the MPs relied upon by the late Raila Odinga to maintain political influence in Nairobi.
However, Babu has frequently been at odds with the law, facing arrests and detention—controversies that have nonetheless boosted his popularity, especially among Nairobi’s youth.
Despite leading in several opinion polls ahead of current Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and other contenders, his path to the governorship may not be easy.
Babu is aligned with the “Linda Mwananchi” faction led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
This group opposes another ODM faction led by party figure Oburu Oginga, brother of the late Raila Odinga.
Babu was also previously seen as close to the Wiper Democratic Movement led by Kalonzo Musyoka before the emergence of the Linda Mwananchi faction.
“I don’t think the ODM nominations will be free and fair due to the party’s cooperation with Governor Sakaja. It’s surprising that when ODM needed me, I was sought after, but now that things are better, I’m being sidelined,” Owino said in an interview last month.
Governor Sakaja’s closeness to ODM began in early 2025 during Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
It now appears ODM is moving forward without Owino, who also opposes the re-election of President William Ruto and the party’s cooperation with UDA.
Oburu Oginga responded to Owino’s claims, saying Owino had told him he could not align with them because he was targeting votes from the Mount Kenya and Ukambani regions.
“He told me in my office that he cannot be on our side because he is targeting Mount Kenya and Ukambani votes. I advised him he risks losing even our support, but the decision is his and I wish him well,” said Oginga.
“He may also face challenges in the political camp he joins because they already have their preferred candidates,” he added.
Reports suggest Owino may fear remaining in ODM and going through party primaries due to possible seat-sharing arrangements between ODM and UDA for key positions such as governor, senator, and woman representative.
He may also be wary of a repeat of the 2022 scenario involving Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who was persuaded by ODM leadership to step down in favor of Polycarp Igathe despite his popularity.
Meanwhile, the opposition is also reorganizing, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announcing plans to collaborate with Wiper on Nairobi seats ahead of 2027.
This suggests that if Owino aligns with the opposition, he may have to join a new political outfit and face competition from Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who is backed by Gachagua.
Gakuya has served as MP since 2013 and is also eyeing the governorship—a position that has eluded the Mount Kenya community despite its large population in Nairobi.
Owino could also opt to run as an independent candidate, banking on strong youth support.
However, political analyst Martin Andati notes that Nairobi politics is heavily influenced by ethnic alliances and presidential backing.
“It is difficult to win the governorship without aligning with a presidential candidate due to the influence and economic significance of Nairobi,” he said.
If Owino runs as an independent and wins, he would become the first to do so since 2013, following governors Evans Kidero (ODM), Mike Sonko (Jubilee), and Sakaja (UDA).
Although Makadara MP George Aladwa has also declared interest in the Nairobi governorship through ODM, he is not seen as politically influential as Babu Owino.
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