Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has declared that he will contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 with or without the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket.
Speaking during an interview with Julisha Media on Thursday, Babu Owino made it clear that his decision to run for governor would not affect his relationship with the ODM leader, downplaying speculation of a rift.
“Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, despite being my party leader, is my personal friend. Even if he does not give me the party ticket, it will not affect our relationship. That is a political choice Raila would have made, and it is his democratic right not to give me one.” said Ongili.
The Lawmaker, added that he would not hold any grudges and was ready to chart his own political path.
“That will not make me bitter towards him as Baba. I will chart my political course. He also charted his political path away from his late father,” he noted.
The MP’s declaration comes amid confusion over ODM’s stance in Nairobi politics, particularly after February’s prayer meeting at Bomas where party leaders appeared to warm up to Governor Johnson Sakaja.
During the event, several ODM MPs called on Sakaja to work closely with the party, sparking speculation that he might be fronted by ODM in 2027.
However, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga later clarified that the party had not endorsed Sakaja, stressing that all aspirants, including Babu, were free to vie.
“I want to say that Babu Owino is a strong member of the ODM Party, and he has come out strongly to prove that. He is a respected member of the party, and nobody can deny him whatever position he would want if we go for free and fair party primaries or even elections,” Wanga said.
Babu has in recent weeks intensified criticism of Sakaja, accusing his administration of failing Nairobi residents.
“Residents are not getting sufficient water supply in their homes. We have poorly maintained roads and equally terrible drainage systems, which we all see whenever there is a heavy downpour,” Owino said.
He also pointed to the city’s garbage problem, which he said poses a health risk, and accused City Hall of being riddled with corruption.
“The taxes currently in place are very exorbitant. People are discouraged from investing because the permits are too expensive. Let us not forget that City Hall as a whole is corrupt,” he said.
Asked about Azimio’s dominance in the Nairobi County Assembly, Babu dismissed it, saying the house leadership had been compromised and could not hold the governor to account.
“How can you even initiate an impeachment process when all MCAs are compromised? The house leadership are dining with the governor, therefore, nothing against him can see the light of day,” he remarked.
He compared Sakaja’s tenure unfavourably with the period under the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), led by General Mohamed Badi.
“If you compare now and during the NMS era, the county was better off under Lieutenant General Mohammed Badi than it is with Sakaja. That was when Nairobi was at its best.”
Owino criticised the ballooning pending bills and alleged that contractors were being asked for kickbacks to be paid. “This is madness because it is your own money,” he said.
On the Dishi na County school feeding programme, the MP said while the idea itself was not bad, there was no accountability. “There is no public breakdown of how the money has been spent,” he added.
As to why Nairobians should vote for him, Babu pointed to his record and popularity.
“Nairobi residents should vote for me because I’m the best they could ever have. My track record speaks for itself, and even you have seen various polls ranking me as one of the best-performing MPs. Then why shouldn’t Nairobi residents get the best?” he posed.
Babu Owino exuded confidence he'll win the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat, declaring himself the most qualified candidate to take over city hall's leadership and rescue Nairobians from the woes of the current administration.
Citing his track record, energy, and strong connection with ordinary Kenyans, Babu argued that he is confident he's the right fit for the job.
The outspoken legislator, declared his intention to vie for Governor in 2027, a decision he told Julisha.co.ke will be made official by the end of 2025 or early January 2026.
“In 2027, Nairobians know Babu is the incoming governor. I’ll declare my bid by January 2025. For now, I’m focused on the work,” he stated.
Babu said his confidence stems from tangible results rather than empty promises, pointing to his track record in Embakasi East, including the annual issuance of 25,000 bursaries, as evidence of effective leadership.
The ODM MP emphasised that his style of leadership is driven by action, not rhetoric, and argued that the challenges facing Nairobi and the country demand bold, transparent, and accountable governance.
He attributed his success to prudent management of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and his efforts to seek opportunities beyond Kenya’s borders for the benefit of his constituents.
The MP also urged young leaders to rise to the occasion and serve with fairness and focus, insisting the country’s future depends on leaders who understand the daily struggles of ordinary citizens and are willing to go the extra mile to improve their lives.
