By TWV Reporter
As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, the political atmosphere in Nairobi is beginning to sizzle with excitement. Among the emerging names stirring the city’s political waters is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, a fiery legislator whose ambition now stretches towards the capital’s top seat, the Governor of Nairobi City County.
Known for his youthful energy, sharp wit, and fearless political style, Babu Owino has declared his intention to succeed Governor Johnson Sakaja, promising to inject “fresh ideas and youthful dynamism” into Nairobi’s leadership. Addressing a lively crowd in Eastlands recently, he told supporters, “I’m ready to lead Nairobi with innovative thinking and action-driven leadership.”
His confidence seems to resonate strongly with the city’s young population. A recent ISS Africa survey placed Owino ahead in the gubernatorial race with 28.1% support, compared to Sakaja’s 16.4%. Among voters aged 18 to 24, Owino’s appeal soars to an impressive 62%, a clear sign of the growing influence of Nairobi’s youthful electorate.
However, the path to City Hall is rarely smooth. One of Owino’s biggest hurdles lies within his own political home, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Though a loyal member, he has publicly expressed doubt about securing the party’s ticket, citing lukewarm support from senior figures. “I am sure I will not get the ODM ticket,” he lamented in September 2025, suggesting the party leadership may favour other contenders.
ODM’s acting leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, later clarified that Owino could still clinch the ticket if he wins in fair nominations, but uncertainty lingers. Political insiders suggest that the decision may ultimately depend on how well Owino expands his support base beyond his Eastlands stronghold.
Nairobi’s diversity adds another layer of complexity. Party strategists warn that Owino must appeal to the city’s broad mix of communities to stand a real chance. As one ODM legislator bluntly put it, “Kikuyu voters will never vote for him.” Winning Nairobi, they argue, requires a cross-ethnic coalition and a message that transcends regional loyalties.
Meanwhile, Governor Sakaja, though trailing in the polls, retains significant advantages in access to resources, name recognition, and the political machinery of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). His incumbency gives him a platform that could easily tilt the balance as the campaigns intensify.
Beyond personalities, the coming race also symbolises a generational shift. Nairobi, with its 2.4 million registered voters, has consistently shaped national politics. In the 2022 General Election, Sakaja’s victory represented a youthful turn in city leadership, while ODM’s Edwin Sifuna secured the Senate seat, reinforcing the party’s urban strength.
Now, with Raila Odinga’s passing, a monumental loss for ODM, the party faces the test of renewal. President William Ruto recently claimed that only the late Raila could have challenged him in 2027, but ODM’s Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna swiftly dismissed the assertion, declaring that the party’s new generation is ready to lead.
Using the vivid Swahili proverb “Mtoto wa simba ni samba, the cub of a lion is also a lion,” Sifuna reminded both friends and foes that ODM’s spirit lives on. His remarks were both symbolic and strategic, a message that the opposition is preparing for the post-Raila era, led by younger, bolder voices like Babu Owino.
Sifuna also accused the President of being “obsessed with Raila” instead of addressing real issues affecting Kenyans, the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, and corruption. It was a deft political move that shifted the conversation from personality-driven politics to questions of governance and delivery.
For Babu Owino, this broader narrative could work in his favour. As part of ODM’s youthful crop of leaders, his campaign embodies the party’s future-facing identity. Yet, his success will depend on more than charisma or online buzz. He will need to secure a solid party ticket, build alliances across ethnic and economic lines, and offer practical solutions to Nairobi’s enduring challenges, from traffic congestion and water shortages to urban insecurity and education.
As the 2027 race gathers pace, one thing is clear: Nairobi is once again set to become the heartbeat of Kenya’s political contest. And in that race, Babu Owino, the lion cub with big dreams, is determined to roar loud enough to be heard all the way to City Hall.
