‘I am happy for my brother, but Nairobi deserves better’ – Babu Owino speaks on Raila endorsing Sakaja for 2027 gubernatorial race
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has spoken out following Raila Odinga’s endorsement of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for a second term in the 2027 gubernatorial race. The lawmaker shared his thoughts during an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Babu Owino expressed mixed feelings about Sakaja’s leadership, stating that while he respects him as a fellow young leader, he is dissatisfied with his performance as Nairobi’s governor. He emphasized that as a Nairobi resident and taxpayer, he has a right to demand efficient service delivery from the county government.
The MP criticized Sakaja’s track record, citing recent performance rankings that placed him among the lowest-rated governors in Kenya. According to the Countrytrak Performance Index 2024 report released Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Sakaja ranked 37th out of 47 governors. The survey, conducted by Infotrak Research and Consulting, assessed county leadership across the country.
“I am happy for my brother, Sakaja is a young man like myself, we might differ ideologically but nothing personal. We differ because I am also a resident of Nairobi who expects services, who pays taxes in Nairobi and should be served by the Governor like any other Nairobian. Sakaja being a young person is an embarrassment to the young people because of what has been done. Several research firms have ranked Sakaja in the bottom ten,” he said.
Babu Owino maintained that he would continue to push Sakaja to improve service delivery in Nairobi. He noted that while ideological differences exist between them, his main concern is ensuring that the governor fulfils his responsibilities to the people of Nairobi.
“I must push him to ensure he delivers to Nairobians,” Babu added.
Raila’s son
The MP’s remarks come amid a growing political debate over the 2027 elections, following Raila Odinga’s endorsement of Sakaja, which has stirred reactions.
Speaking at Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2025, during a prayer service organized by the ODM Women’s Chapter ahead of the AUC elections, Raila backed Sakaja to oversee his political interests in Nairobi in his absence. He referred to Sakaja as his son, expressing confidence in his leadership.
“Nataka Nairobi ibaki imara, ndo huyu kijana wangu huyu ashikilie, afanye kazi sawa sawa,” Raila said.
At the same event, Sakaja hinted at joining ODM after Makadara MP George Aladwa and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga urged him to leave UDA.
“While you are away Baba, we want our great Governor Sakaja to take charge and also join ODM so that we can work together,” Aladwa stated.
“Dalili ya mvua ni nini?……Mwenye macho haambiwi nini? Na mwenye masikio haambiwi… Sisi tuko hapo bumper-to-bumper. Tuko pamoja.” Sakaja responded promising to meet ODM leaders in Nairobi in two weeks.
However, his possible defection could shake the ODM quarters, as other party members, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, are eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat. Wanyonyi previously stepped aside in 2022 for Polycarp Igathe, who ran under Azimio la Umoja.
