Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has stated that he sees nothing wrong with ODM leader Raila Odinga endorsing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for another term in 2027. Speaking on Citizen TV, Babu emphasized that leadership is about service delivery and that ideological differences should not be mistaken for personal enmity.
This discussion comes at a crucial time when political realignments are taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Babu, who has declared his interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, remains confident in his political trajectory, stating that his endorsement comes from God and the people of Kenya. He pointed to a recent Infotrak Research poll that ranked him as the best-performing legislator in Kenya as proof of his effectiveness.
“When Baba (Raila Odinga) endorsed Sakaja as you are saying it, there’s nothing wrong with that. Babu Owino has been endorsed by the Almighty God and Kenyans, and you can see by the results,” Babu said.
Despite being in rival political camps, Babu maintained that he respects Sakaja, acknowledging that both of them are young leaders who differ ideologically but not personally. He stressed that as a Nairobi resident, he has a duty to demand that the governor fulfills the promises he made to the people.
“As a leader in Nairobi, I must push him to ensure he delivers to Nairobians because he promised, and he must deliver,” Babu added.
The endorsement by Raila Odinga comes at a time when the former Prime Minister has urged Nairobi leaders to remain united, entrusting Sakaja with the responsibility of managing the city’s political affairs in his absence. While addressing ODM-affiliated women at a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya, Raila referred to Sakaja as his “son” and assured his supporters that the governor would oversee Nairobi’s political matters.
“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila said, pointing at Sakaja during the event.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, was in attendance, a move that has been widely interpreted as Raila’s endorsement for his re-election bid. However, with Babu Owino and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi also eyeing the seat, the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a fierce contest.
As political dynamics shift, time will tell whether Raila’s endorsement will hold significant weight or whether the battle for Nairobi’s top seat will be decided by other factors, including performance and public sentimen
