Babu Owino Bows To Pressure, Speaks On Dropping Out Of Nairobi Governor Race After Meeting Gachagua

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed reports that he intends to withdraw from the Nairobi gubernatorial race following his recent meeting with Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in Nyeri County.

The legislator responded to the claims on Wednesday, October 21, insisting that he remains committed to contesting the Nairobi governor’s seat in the 2027 General Election.

Babu took to social media to challenge reports suggesting that Gachagua had advised him to abandon his gubernatorial ambitions and instead seek the Nairobi Senate seat.

“My unworthy opponents have given up and are now banking on fake news. Nairobi has already been decided. The gubernatorial race is between Babu Owino and Paul Ongili,” he stated.

His remarks came a day after he met Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County. The meeting brought together several political figures associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

The gathering attracted attention as opposition leaders continue engaging in discussions about possible political partnerships ahead of the next general election. However, speculation emerged that the meeting could have included discussions about changing Babu’s political plans.

Reports that Gachagua had encouraged the Embakasi East MP to pursue the Senate seat instead of the governor’s office added to the debate surrounding the Nairobi contest. Babu, however, has maintained that he has no intention of leaving the race.

This is not the first time the legislator has faced questions about his gubernatorial ambitions. In January 2026, he dismissed similar reports suggesting that he had abandoned his plans to contest for a parliamentary seat in Kisumu County.

On September 18, Babu announced the Mwananchi Party as his political vehicle for the 2027 elections, further signalling his intention to pursue the Nairobi governor’s seat.

He is expected to face competition from several aspirants, including Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who is associated with Gachagua, and incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, who is seeking another term. Sakaja has also been linked to possible political realignments involving ODM.

Other politicians who have expressed interest in the seat include former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, businesswoman Agnes Kagure, former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru and Makadara MP George Aladwa.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and political commentator Tony Gachoka have also featured in discussions surrounding the contest.

With Nairobi’s large voting population and influence in national politics, the governor’s race is expected to draw considerable attention as candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.

Babu’s latest response makes it clear that, despite speculation following his meeting with Gachagua, he is publicly maintaining his ambition to lead the county.

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