I'm not afraid of leaving ODM – Babu Owino
"Even if they chase me away from the party, is there a problem?"
2mon agoBRIAN ORUTARealtime
Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino now says that there is nothing wrong with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga endorsing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for another term in the City County’s gubernatorial race.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Babu said that he has been endorsed by God and the people of Kenya and the results can be seen from the recent poll by Infotrak Research that named him the best-performing legislator in Kenya.
“When Baba (Raila Odinga) endorsed Sakaja as you are saying it, there's nothing wrong with that. Babu Owino has been endorsed by the Almighty God and Kenyans and you can see by the results,” he said.
This comes amid interest and various public declarations by Babu that he will vie for Governor of Nairobi, in 2027.
The Embakasi East MP went on to say that he is happy for Sakaja who is a young man like himself.
He noted that their differences have never been personal but ideological because he is also a resident of the City County.
“I am happy for my brother, Sakaja is a young man like myself, we might differ ideologically but nothing personal and we differ because I am also a resident of Nairobi who expects services, who pays taxes in Nairobi and should be served by the Governor like any other Nairobian.”
The legislator insisted that Sakaja made promises to the people of Nairobi and he must keep them.
“As a leader in Nairobi, I must push him to ensure he delivers to Nairobians because he promised and he must deliver.”
This comes after Raila urged Nairobi leaders to remain united as he entrusted Governor Johnson Sakaja with the responsibility of leading the city’s political affairs in his absence.
Referring to Sakaja as his son, Raila assured ODM members in the capital that they should remain steadfast while he is away, as the governor will oversee all political matters.
"I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge," Raila said, pointing at Sakaja during a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, attended the event, which was organised by women affiliated with ODM.
The directive by Raila has been interpreted by many quotas as an endorsement of Sakaja ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Other than Babu, Westlands MP, Tim Wanyonyi is also eyeing the Capital’s gubernatorial seat after having been pushed to shelve his ambition in 2022 in support of Polycarp Igathe.
