Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili popularly known as Babu Owino is emerging as a frontrunner in the 2027 Nairobi governor’s race, especially among young voters, according to a new survey.
The poll, carried out by ISS Africa across Nairobi’s 17 constituencies, ranked Babu ahead of Governor Johnson Sakaja among the city’s most preferred gubernatorial aspirants.
Findings from the report show that Babu commands a 28.1 percent support among Nairobi residents. He is followed closely by DCP’s Nairobi patron Irungu Nyakera, who registered 19.2 percent. Sakaja trails with 16.4 percent support.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya also features in the race, albeit as an outsider, with 11.2 percent support – most of it drawn from his home constituency.
ISS Africa interviewed at least 1,063 voters across all 17 constituencies using a random, multi-stage sampling method.
The findings point to a generational shift in Nairobi politics. Among Gen-Z voters aged 18–24, an overwhelming 62 percent said they would back Babu Owino for governor. His strongest base remains Eastlands, where his constituency lies. In the region, 32 percent of adults aged 25–32 also expressed support for him.
Governor Sakaja, on the other hand, gets most of his votes from supporters aligned to President William Ruto’s broad-based administration.
Nyakera’s backing comes largely from supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP).
Sakaja’s Woes.
The polls findings, come at a critical time, as incumbent governor Johnson Sakaja faces mounting pressure over accusations of underperfomance.
Just a day ago, Nairobi County was flagged for spending the least on development, according to the Controller of Budget’s latest County Governments Budget Implementation Review Report (CGBIRR).
Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o revealed that Nairobi used only Ksh4 billion of the Ksh14 billion set aside for development projects. This amounted to just 12 percent of its total expenditure, far below the constitutional requirement.
Section 107(2)(b) of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2012 requires counties to allocate at least 30 percent of their budgets to development spending over the medium term. Regulation 25(1)(g) of the PFM (County Governments) Regulations, 2015 further directs that actual expenditure must reflect this.
Nairobi’s performance left it last on a list of underperforming counties, which included Machakos, Kisumu, Kiambu, and Kajiado. The capital also recorded a low absorption rate of 28.7 percent of its development budget.
Ironically, Sakaja’s administration spent the highest amount on Travel among all counties, splashing over Ksh 863 million on conferences, study tours and foreign trips, while development projects lag.
The Controller of Budget warned that such spending is excessive, unnecessary and diverts resources from essential infrastructure and services.
This, and other accusations levelled against the county chief by ward representatives, has fuelled discontent among the Citizenry, with Nairobians accusing Sakaja of being detached from their pressing issues. Mounting garbage, poor drainage systems and floods in the capital, haven't helped matters either.
The Rise of Babu Owino.
In the wake of the incumbent governor’s woes, young leaders have positioned themselves to take over the top-seat, one such leader is the Embakasi legislator, Babu Owino.
Babu Owino, is a name that resonates deeply within Kenya’s political landscape. He is a symbol of resilience, transformation, and bold leadership. The MP's journey from the depths of poverty in the slums of Nyalenda in Kisumu to becoming one of the most influential young legislators in Kenya is nothing short of inspirational.
The Embakasi East Mp, was raised in a single-room house by a struggling single mother who brewed chang’aa to provide for her family.
Speaking to Julisha Media recently, the MP revealed that his childhood was defined by hardship. He recounts going to school barefoot and sometimes hungry, but what he never lacked was determination and a fierce belief in the power of education.
Babu’s academic journey is a proof to his discipline and intellect. He earned a First Class Honours degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi, and later pursued a second degree in Law from the same university. At UoN, he rose to become one of the longest-serving student leaders, known for his sharp intellect, fiery speeches, and unwavering defense of students' rights.
From the student council, Babu transitioned into mainstream politics. In 2017, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, a position he retained in 2022. Despite facing stiff competition and being a relatively young entrant, Babu’s grassroots connection and passion for service resonated with the youth and the marginalized.
And besides his lustre career, nevertheless, he has also been involved in highly dramatic events. With an accidental shooting incident almost tainting his career, but just like Babu says- Man is to error. He learnt and stepped-up, a commendable feat considering the crop of leaders we have in the country- who dodge and corrupt their way out.
Over the years, Babu Owino has become one of the most vocal and active MPs in the National Assembly.
Civic engagement platforms have praised his accessibility, legislative contributions, and development record. Under his leadership, Embakasi East has seen unprecedented improvement in education infrastructure, bursary distribution, and access to digital learning tools.
Babu Owino’s story is not just about rising from poverty; it is about the transformative power of education, the courage to stand by one's convictions, and the ability to admit faults and grow. He remains a symbol of hope for many young Kenyans who see in him a reflection of their struggles and aspirations.
In Babu's own words: “Where you start does not define where you will end up. With God, grit, and grace, anything is possible.”
Babu was always a cut above his peers in political ingenuity and it was easy to spot the political genius in him from his earlier years at UoN.
Currently, for him, the word mirage isn't available in his vocabulary. Everyone should fasten their belts for Babu, a man whose motto in life rings true to his hasty life: Never lose sight of a gazelle for a dashing squirrel.
