ODM Clears the Air on Supporting Babu Owino in 2027

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has weighed in on discussions about whether to support Embakasi East lawmaker Babu Owino or Governor Johnson Sakaja as the party’s flag bearer for the Nairobi gubernatorial race in the 2027 general elections.

While speaking to Ramogi Radio, ODM party Chairperson Gladys Wanga hinted at supporting Babu while dismissing reports that the party had endorsed Sakaja as its candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

“Babu Owino is a strong member and supporter of ODM. He has fought for this party. I call him ‘Wiseman.’ He is my very good friend, and he knows that.

I have invited him to Homa Bay several times to help me mentor the boy child. That is why he is a strong and respected member of the party. Anything that Babu wants in the party, nobody can stand in his way, whether through party nominations, primaries, or free and fair elections,” Wanga said.

Wanga Denies ODM Endorsing Sakaja

At the same time, the Homa Bay Governor dismissed claims that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had endorsed Governor Sakaja, saying that his remarks were misinterpreted.

“What I heard Raila say, as someone who attended that meeting, is that he wants Nairobi to remain firm. He did not mention anything about 2027.

He said that he wants Nairobi to remain united, and since the current Governor of Nairobi is Sakaja, he should ensure that. He also urged the ODM party to remain strong and assist Sakaja in governing Nairobi. Nowhere did he say that he was endorsing Sakaja for 2027,” Wanga stated.

Also Read: Sakaja Responds to Claims Joining ODM

She further emphasized that ODM’s flag bearer for the Nairobi gubernatorial race will be determined through party primaries before the 2027 elections, where every aspirant will be given a fair chance, and the party will support whoever Nairobi residents will elect.

Wanga’s clarification came after several leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and George Aladwa, urged Sakaja to join ODM during a prayer meeting for Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) election.

This was interpreted by some as an invitation for Sakaja to join ODM and vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.

Aladwa and Wanga woo Sakaja  

During the prayer meeting, Odinga emphasized the need for continuity in Nairobi City County leadership, stating, “ODM, I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila Odinga said.

Also Read: Nelson Havi Alleges Plot by ODM to Impeach Ruto After High Court Ruling

Earlier last month, on Thursday, January 16, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino weighed in on reports that ODM party leader Raila Odinga was supporting Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

While addressing the media using an analogy, Owino expressed disappointment, stating that it was unfortunate for a father to show more love to a child from outside than to his own.

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