Nairobi

Babu Owino Refutes Claims of Withdrawing from Nairobi Gubernatorial Race

Embakasi East MP maintains focus on capital city contest amid speculation about political future

NAIROBI – Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has firmly denied social media reports suggesting he plans to abandon his bid for the Nairobi governorship in favor of a contest in Kisumu County.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the legislator characterized the circulating rumors as deliberate misinformation orchestrated by political rivals attempting to undermine his campaign.

“Disregard the false narratives being propagated by my opponents. My commitment to the Nairobi race remains unwavering,” Mr. Owino declared.

The parliamentary representative faces a challenging path to City Hall, where he would compete against sitting Governor Johnson Sakaja, who seeks re-election after his first term following victory in the 2022 general elections on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.

Governor Sakaja benefits from support within the current broad-based government arrangement, which includes representation from Mr. Owino’s Orange Democratic Movement. However, the party’s internal dynamics regarding the Nairobi contest remain unclear, with the Embakasi East MP yet to confirm which political platform he will utilize for his gubernatorial campaign.

Mr. Owino has emerged as a prominent voice among younger ODM politicians positioning themselves for future party leadership roles. Recent months have seen the lawmaker increase his public appearances and community engagements throughout Nairobi, signaling serious intent regarding the gubernatorial contest.

Speculation about potential obstacles to securing the ODM nomination has persisted, particularly following indications that former party leader Raila Odinga maintained cordial relations with the incumbent governor.

However, ODM party official Oburu Oginga addressed these concerns during a television interview in October, dismissing suggestions that Mr. Owino would face unfair treatment in the nomination process. He emphasized the party’s commitment to transparent, merit-based candidate selection.

“Our nomination procedures will be conducted with complete transparency and fairness. The candidate who prevails through legitimate means will receive the party’s endorsement,” Mr. Oginga stated, urging Mr. Owino to maintain patience and party loyalty.

Governor Sakaja previously developed strong working ties with ODM leadership and was frequently observed at party functions. In September, he survived an impeachment motion initiated by Nairobi County Assembly members after intervention by President William Ruto and Mr. Odinga helped defuse the political crisis.

The developing contest for Nairobi’s top county position is expected to attract significant attention as political parties finalize their candidate selection processes ahead of the next general elections.