Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has responded to a widely circulated photo showing him drinking with President Ruto and his son.
He clarified that the image is outdated and does not represent his current lifestyle.
According to the MP, the photo was taken back in 2018, well before he made the decision to quit alcohol in January 2020.
Sharing his thoughts on Facebook, Babu states that he has remained sober for over five years.
He used the opportunity to reflect on his personal growth and pledged to bring the same kind of positive change to Nairobi if he wins the governor’s seat in 2027.
“I stopped drinking on January 17, 2020, and haven’t touched alcohol since,” he wrote. “This image is from years ago and doesn’t reflect who I am today.”
Babu Owino for the Nairobi Governor Position
This comes amid ongoing debates surrounding his political allegiance, particularly his position within ODM and any links to the Kenya Moja movement. Babu dismissed the speculation.
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The MP concluded by tying his sobriety journey to his leadership goals, stating that
“Just as I changed my life, I intend to transform the lives of Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large.”
Babu Owino had confirmed that he will contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 with or without the backing of his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Facing internal headwinds within ODM and aware of competing interests for the party’s ticket, the second-term legislator said he is prepared to go it alone, even as an independent candidate, if necessary.
Fighting Sakaja
While speaking on Kameme TV on September 4, he called Sakaja’s leadership a betrayal of Nairobians and demanded his immediate impeachment, even as President William Ruto met with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) at State House to urge calm and encourage dialogue.
Also Read: Why Sakaja Must Go, Babu Owino Remains Defiant
“I don’t see any problem when people call each other ‘cousins’,” Owino began, framing his critique not as tribal, but driven by governance failures.
“When Sakaja was campaigning, he was to work for Nairobians,” he said, noting the sacrifices ordinary citizens make: “People are sacrificing to survive… when people elect a leader… that leader will work for them.”
He cited corruption flagged by the Auditor General: “When you look at his office, it’s full of corruption, even the auditor has flagged it. These are the things that make Sakaja should not be sitting in that position even for another extra day.”
“We see sewage all over, if it rains for 30 min you can’t walk in town, potholes all over, we even now have goons in town to attack people. This is not why Sakaja was elected.”
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