Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has confidently stated that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino will win the Nairobi gubernatorial race in 2027, with or without the ODM party ticket.
Speaking during a podcast interview with Milele FM presenter Alex Mwakideu on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Jalang’o declared that Babu is a formidable candidate regardless of party backing.
“If Babu Owino is given the ODM ticket, I’m telling you right now, he will become governor. And even if he isn’t given the ticket, he will still be a serious contender,” said Jalang’o.
The Lang’ata legislator went on to say that Babu will serve for only one term as Nairobi Governor, after which he will run for the presidency in the 2032 general elections.
“I’m preparing you for Babu Owino’s leadership. You know he’ll serve one term, rise higher, and leave Nairobi in my hands,” Jalang’o added.
Jalang’o Predicts Babu Owino Will Be Nairobi Governor
At the same time, Jalang’o warned that division among candidates from the same regions could cost them the seat, potentially paving the way for a Mount Kenya candidate to clinch the Nairobi governorship for the first time.
“Politics is tribal. There are times when tribes can unite and defeat a candidate. Or they can all compete for the same thing and mess everything up. Today, if Babu Owino runs, Sakaja runs, and Tim Wanyonyi runs—they all have the backing of ODM, of Baba (Raila Odinga), and of Azimio. They will split the vote. And if there’s a candidate from Murima (Mount Kenya), for the first time, they will become governor,” Jalang’o stated.
“They must agree among themselves. Decide who will run. They should go forward united, having reached an agreement, because there will be a candidate from the DCP side,” he added.
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As of now, six individuals have declared their intention to vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, including Babu Owino.
Declared Candidates for Nairobi Governorship (2027)
Johnson Sakaja, the incumbent governor, has repeatedly expressed his intention to seek re-election in 2027, although he is yet to announce the party under which he will run.
Sakaja has recently been seen accompanying Raila Odinga at numerous events, sparking speculation that he may join ODM.
This has caused tension within the party, particularly after Babu Owino publicly claimed he has shown greater loyalty to Raila than Sakaja.
Agnes Kagure, a businesswoman and empowerment advocate who contested in 2022, has officially declared her interest in running again in 2027.
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Tony Gachoka, a former journalist and political analyst, declared his interest in 2024 under the DAP-K party but has since defected to KANU.
Tim Wanyonyi, the Westlands MP, had initially announced his bid for the Nairobi governorship in February 2025, stating he would run regardless of coalition politics. However, he has since shifted his focus to the Bungoma gubernatorial race, effectively withdrawing from the Nairobi contest.
Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya also expressed interest in vying for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat earlier in 2025.
Additionally, Irungu Nyakera, the former KICC Board Chair, has expressed interest in the seat but is yet to make a formal declaration.
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PHOTO/Babu Owino
