BABU OWINO 'S DILEMMA

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino appears to be navigating a complex political path, torn between contesting the Nairobi governorship or a presidential bid ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, alongside Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Owino revealed that millions of messages from Kenyans are pushing him in both directions, reflecting a growing appetite for youthful leadership in the country.

“By God’s grace, I will be the next governor of Nairobi. But I will leave a window because I received around nine million messages telling me to go for president, and about 8.9 million telling me to go for governor,” Owino said.

The legislator added that many Kenyans are suggesting possible political partnerships between him and Nyoro, including arrangements for top leadership positions.

“Some people are telling me to ask Ndindi Nyoro to be my deputy. Others are saying Ndindi should be president and I be deputy, or I be president and Ndindi be deputy,” he said.

Owino emphasized that no binding decisions have been reached, noting that discussions about his political future remain open.

“At the end of the day, there is still a window that we can decide,” he stated.

He also highlighted the strength of the youth vote, stressing that young leaders, armed with energy, intellect, and passion, have the power to influence the country’s leadership.

“If we decide, because we are two great leaders with intellect, political acumen, passion and energy, the youthful vote can finish somebody,” he said.

Following his remarks on Wednesday, Babu yet again presented himself as a national leader extending his political solidarity beyond Kenya. Ahead of Uganda’s elections, he wished opposition leader Bobi Wine well, expressing confidence in Wine’s ability to win and bring meaningful change.

“As Uganda heads to the ballot box today, I want to wish my brother Bobi Wine all the best. He has everything it takes to win this election and transform the lives of the people of Uganda,” he said in a social media post on Thursday - championing for youthful leadership in the region.

Owino has consistently expressed strong optimism about winning any electoral seat, including the presidency. However, his current focus appears to be on Nairobi, where he is expected to face several contenders, including Makadara MP George Aladwa, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and former PS Irungu Nyakera. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is expected to seek re-election, while businesswoman Agnes Kagure, a 2022 contender, has also hinted at potential interest.

Ndindi Nyoro, on his part, has avoided confirming whether he will vacate his Kiharu seat to pursue county or national opportunities. A former key ally of President William Ruto and a founding figure of UDA, Nyoro has become increasingly critical of the party, citing deviations from 2022 manifesto promises and unsustainable economic management.

“UDA deviated from what it sold to Kenyans. We promised to borrow less to sustain the economy. Funding education is still an issue. We are investing a lot in PR instead of letting the outcome speak for itself,” Nyoro said during a Citizen TV JKLive interview on January 14, 2026.

He also reflected on the politics that propelled UDA to power, describing past campaign tactics as “silly” and “immoral.”

“We fought with people and interfered with them to the point of tarnishing their names so that we could win power. It was stupid politics. I was young then, now I am wise,” Nyoro said.
Owino’s and Nyoro’s statements signal shifting dynamics within Kenya’s political landscape as the youth-driven generational debate gains momentum ahead of the next general election.