Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is emerging as a formidable contender for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Reports indicate he may contest under the Wiper Party, a move that unsettles both ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
Owino’s decision puts Raila in a difficult position. Remaining loyal to ODM risks sidelining him, while charting his own path could cost him long-term allies.
Yet his strong youth appeal cannot be ignored. By taking on issues such as high taxation, the rising cost of living, and government inefficiency, he has positioned himself as the voice of Gen Z a demographic expected to dominate the 2027 vote.
For Ruto, the ODM–UDA pact was designed to capture young voters. However, Owino’s growing popularity threatens that plan.
His rallies show clear enthusiasm from young people who feel he represents their frustrations better than established leaders.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, once seen as the preferred candidate of both Raila and Ruto, is now weakened.
Their decision to save him from impeachment angered many Nairobians, opening political space for Owino to advance his bid.
The legislator’s bold stance is more than a personal ambition; it signals a generational shift. If he runs outside ODM, he will test Raila’s grip on Nairobi politics while complicating Ruto’s youth strategy.
His entry into the race makes 2027 unpredictable, with both veteran leaders forced to reassess their plans.
Babu Owino has become more than just a candidate. He is a disruptor whose rise is shaking old political alliances and reshaping Nairobi’s succession race.
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