Babu Owino Dismisses Rumors Of Stepping Down From Nairobi Gubernatorial Bid

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has firmly rejected reports suggesting he has stepped down from the Nairobi gubernatorial race, following a high-profile consultative meeting with Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.

Taking to social media on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the lawmaker dismissed claims that the former Deputy President had persuaded him to abandon his City Hall ambitions to run for the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

“My unworthy opponents have given up and are now banking on fake news. Nairobi has already been decided. The gubernatorial race is between Babu Owino and Paul Ongili,” he declared, humorously citing his legal name to emphasize his unwavering stance.

High-Stakes Consultations at Wamunyoro

The speculation intensified after Gachagua hosted Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and other leaders aligned with the Linda Mwananchi movement at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Tuesday, October 20, shortly after returning from the United States.

While reports circulated that political strategists within the emerging opposition framework had advised Babu to pivot toward the Senate to balance regional interests, the Embakasi East legislator maintained that his presidential and gubernatorial trajectory remains unchanged.

The clarification follows a similar instance in January 2026, when Babu debunked rumors alleging he had shelved his Nairobi ambitions to vie for a parliamentary seat in Kisumu County. Having officially launched the Mwananchi Party as his political vehicle on September 18, 2026, Babu continues to position himself independently of traditional party structures.

Crowded Field for Capital’s Top Seat

The contest for Nairobi’s chief executive position is shaping up to be one of the most competitive battles of the 2027 electoral cycle, featuring candidates across the political spectrum:

• Incumbent Dynamics: Governor Johnson Sakaja is actively preparing to defend his seat, amid growing speculation regarding potential party realignments between UDA and ODM.

• Key Contenders: Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a key ally of Gachagua, has declared his candidature, while former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri are actively campaigning.

• Broader Field: The race has also drawn interest from businesswoman Agnes Kagure, former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru, Makadara MP George Aladwa, political commentator Tony Gachoka, and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Nairobi remains Kenya’s premier electoral prize, with its voter base expanding beyond the 2,415,310 registered voters recorded during the 2022 General Election across its 17 constituencies and 85 electoral wards.