Babu Owino positions himself as ODM’s best bet for 2027 Nairobi Governor race

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has declared himself the frontrunner in the race for Nairobi's gubernatorial seat, calling for a new approach to election campaigns in the capital.

Speaking during an interview on Ramogi FM on Tuesday, the legislator exuded confidence about his prospects, citing favorable polling data.

He argued that Nairobi presents a strategic opportunity for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party that should not be squandered.

"All opinion polls indicate that I am ahead in this Governor race here in Nairobi," Owino stated, projecting confidence in his electoral fortunes.

The MP described the capital as ripe for political consolidation, urging the ODM party leadership to give him free rein to campaign across all constituencies.

"Nairobi is low hanging fruit, they should just release me to go vie and defend all MCA seats in Nairobi," he said, suggesting he feels constrained in his current campaign activities.

Drawing lessons from Kenya's political history, Owino pointed to the cross-ethnic appeal demonstrated by the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga as a model worth emulating.

"Even Baba Raila Odinga got over 1 million votes from the Kikuyus," he noted, before adding that "we need a different strategy while dealing with election campaigns."

The remarks suggest that the MP is positioning himself as a unifying figure capable of transcending ethnic lines in Kenya's cosmopolitan capital, home to diverse communities from across the country.

He called for a focus on voter mobilization rather than political intrigue: "Let's get out and campaign to get votes and not being petty with politics."

As Nairobi's political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the next general election, Owino's assertive positioning signals his intention to make the Governor's race a central battleground, banking on his popularity and what he describes as strong polling numbers to carry him to victory.

The race for Nairobi County's top seat remains fluid, with several candidates expected to throw their hats in the ring as the political calendar progresses.