Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced his bid for the Nairobi governor seat in 2027 and says he’s prepared to run as an independent if ODM doesn’t back him.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, has officially declared his intention to vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election. The outspoken legislator, known for his fiery rhetoric and strong grassroots support, has made waves by announcing his readiness to run as an independent candidate if he does not secure the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket. This bold move has ignited discussions across Kenya’s political landscape, with analysts and supporters weighing in on his chances of unseating incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja and reshaping Nairobi’s leadership.
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Babu Owino, born on October 10, 1989, rose to prominence through his leadership in student politics at the University of Nairobi, where he served as the chairperson of the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) in 2011. His academic credentials include a First Class Honors degree in Actuarial Science and a Master’s in the same field, alongside a law degree from the same institution. His transition from student leadership to national politics was marked by his election as the MP for Embakasi East in 2017, a position he has held for two consecutive terms.
Owino’s political career has been characterized by his vocal advocacy for the youth and marginalized communities, earning him a significant following among Nairobi’s urban electorate. His tenure as MP has been marked by development projects in Embakasi East, including infrastructure improvements and educational initiatives, which he credits for his widespread popularity. However, his career has not been without controversy, with allegations of assault and a high-profile attempted murder case in 2020 involving a nightclub DJ, though he was later released on bail.
Babu Owino’s declaration to run for Nairobi Governor in 2027 is not a new aspiration. As early as 2018, he expressed his intent to contest the seat, initially targeting 2022, before deferring to focus on his parliamentary role. On July 24, 2025, Owino made headlines by reaffirming his gubernatorial bid, stating he is prepared to run independently if denied the ODM ticket. This announcement, reported by Nation Africa, underscores his confidence in his grassroots support and his willingness to challenge the political establishment.
Owino’s decision to consider an independent run stems from tensions within ODM, particularly following former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s apparent endorsement of incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja. In February 2025, Raila’s public support for Sakaja during a prayer meeting for his African Union Commission (AUC) bid sparked controversy, with Owino interpreting it as a betrayal, given his long-standing loyalty to Odinga and the ODM party. Owino has publicly criticized Sakaja’s leadership, accusing him of mismanagement, corruption, and failure to address Nairobi’s pressing issues such as poor infrastructure, inadequate water supply, and subpar health services.
Nairobi, as Kenya’s capital and economic hub, faces significant challenges, including traffic congestion, poor waste management, and inadequate urban planning. Owino has positioned himself as a candidate capable of addressing these issues through effective governance and innovative leadership. In a March 2025 interview, he highlighted Nairobi’s crumbling infrastructure, such as outdated sewage systems and corroded water pipes, as evidence of poor leadership. He argued that cartels and mismanagement have hindered the city’s potential, pledging to overhaul these systems if elected.
Owino’s campaign narrative centers on his populist approach and appeal to the youth, whom he views as the majority demographic capable of driving change. During a mentorship session at NPN Legacy Church in April 2025, he urged Gen Z and millennials to participate actively in the 2027 elections, both as voters and candidates, emphasizing his belief in youth-led leadership. His slogan, “spoilt for choice,” reflects his confidence in his qualifications to lead Nairobi or even aspire to the presidency, a goal he has hinted at for 2032.
Owino’s gubernatorial bid has garnered significant endorsements from key political figures. Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has been a vocal supporter, predicting that Owino will win the Nairobi governorship in 2027 with or without ODM’s backing. In a July 2025 interview with radio presenter Alex Mwakideu, Jalang’o described Owino as a formidable candidate whose popularity and influence make him a force to be reckoned with. He even suggested that Owino would serve one term as governor before handing over to him in 2032, as Owino pursues higher office.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya also endorsed Owino in July 2025, declaring him part of his political “formation” and asserting that Owino would lead Nairobi as governor. Salasya’s endorsement, shared on X, emphasized Owino’s risk-taking persona and grassroots appeal. Additionally, posts on X indicate strong support from Gen Z voters, with some users claiming Owino’s popularity transcends party lines and tribal affiliations.
Despite his strong support base, Owino faces significant hurdles in his quest for the governorship. His strained relationship with Raila Odinga, a towering figure in ODM, poses a major challenge. Raila’s endorsement of Sakaja has been interpreted as a strategic move to align ODM with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of 2027, potentially sidelining Owino. Political analyst Fred Ogola argues that Nairobi’s politics are heavily influenced by party affiliation and financial resources, areas where Sakaja, as incumbent, holds an advantage.
Owino’s potential independent candidacy also carries risks. While he enjoys significant popularity, running without ODM’s backing could split the party’s vote, potentially benefiting a candidate from another coalition, such as one backed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). Jalang’o warned in July 2025 that a divided ODM front could hand the seat to a Mt. Kenya candidate, highlighting the tribal dynamics that often shape Kenyan politics.
Moreover, Owino’s controversial past could impact his campaign. His 2020 arrest for the attempted murder of DJ Evolve, along with allegations of assault and hate speech, have drawn criticism and may be used by opponents to question his suitability for leadership. Although Owino reached a civil agreement with the victim, the incident has fueled accusations of impunity among Kenyan politicians.
Owino’s readiness to run as an independent candidate is a bold but risky strategy. Independent candidates in Kenya face significant barriers, including limited access to party resources and the challenge of mobilizing voters without a strong party machine. However, Owino’s confidence stems from his belief in his personal brand and grassroots support. Posts on X suggest that some voters, particularly the youth, view him as a viable candidate regardless of party affiliation, with one user claiming he could win in multiple counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
A March 2025 poll by the Centre for African Progress (CAP) bolstered Owino’s confidence, showing him leading the Nairobi gubernatorial race with 38% voter support, ahead of former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru (31%) and Sakaja (14%). The poll highlighted Owino’s populist appeal and ability to connect with Nairobi’s diverse electorate, particularly the youth and lower-income groups.
Owino’s gubernatorial bid, whether under ODM or as an independent, has far-reaching implications for Nairobi’s political landscape. His focus on addressing systemic issues like poor governance and cartels could resonate with voters frustrated by the status quo. However, his confrontational style and criticisms of both Sakaja and President William Ruto may polarize voters, particularly those aligned with the ODM-UDA alliance.
The broader implications of Owino’s candidacy extend to the future of ODM and Kenyan politics. His potential departure from ODM could signal a shift among younger leaders seeking to break free from traditional party structures. His endorsement of a youth-driven political movement, as seen in his calls for Gen Z participation, aligns with the growing influence of younger voters who are disillusioned with established political figures.
Babu Owino’s declaration to run for Nairobi Governor in 2027, with or without ODM’s backing, marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political scene. His confidence, rooted in his track record as a youth leader and MP, has earned him significant support, particularly among Nairobi’s urban electorate. However, challenges such as party dynamics, financial constraints, and past controversies could complicate his path to City Hall. Whether he secures the ODM ticket or runs independently, Owino’s campaign promises to be a high-stakes battle that could redefine Nairobi’s leadership and influence the trajectory of Kenyan politics. As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on Owino to see if he can translate his populist appeal into electoral success.
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