BABU OWINO speaks on his future in ODM as he declares bid for Nairobi Governor - “We have seen people elected even without parties”

Monday, February 23, 2026 - Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, has sent mixed signals about his political direction even as he publicly declared interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday, February 22^nd, the legislator suggested that his loyalty is anchored more in the electorate than in any political party.

Babu, however, appeared to contradict himself moments later when he announced his intention to seek the leadership of the ODM Party.

"My party is the people. We have seen people being elected even without parties.”

“The first loyalty that I have is to the people. Once you are loyal and you work for the people, you don’t need a party.”

“I will communicate about that. For now, I must be the ODM party leader.”

“I must be the ODM party leader. I know that I deserve it and I am capable," he said.

The MP also reaffirmed his ambition to succeed Johnson Sakaja as Nairobi Governor, criticising the current county administration and its relationship with the national Government.

"I will be the next Governor of Nairobi County. Sakaja handed over his responsibilities to the president… An incompetent national government comes in to help an incompetent county government," he claimed.

Babu contrasted his leadership record with that of Sakaja, citing his performance in Embakasi East.

"The difference between Sakaja and Babu Owino is that you are looking at a basket of knowledge… Babu is a performer… ranked as the best MP for two consecutive years," he said.

He framed his gubernatorial bid as service-driven rather than privilege-driven.

"We are going there not about beauty but duty… I want to leave Nairobi a better place for those who came by birth," he added.

His remarks come months after ODM leader, Oburu Oginga, assured him of a fair nomination process for the 2027 Nairobi ticket.

Despite this, Babu has previously expressed frustration over perceived sidelining within ODM, revealing that Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, had offered him a senior party position.

"Why is it that in my own house, ODM, I'm not wished well?”

“Even a polling station chairman position, I can't be given?" he posed.

The Kenyan DAILY POST