By Valentine Omondi
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed reports that he is abandoning his bid for Nairobi governor in the 2027 General Election, accusing his political opponents of spreading fake news to undermine his ambitions.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, Owino rejected claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had advised him to drop his gubernatorial ambitions and instead contest the Nairobi senatorial seat.
“My unworthy opponents have given up and are now banking on fake news. Hii Nairobi ilienda kitambo sana,” Owino stated, expressing confidence in his political prospects.
He further declared: “The Gubernatorial race is between BABU OWINO vs PAUL ONGILI.”
Gachagua Meeting Sparks Speculation
The speculation emerged following a meeting between Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside other leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Tuesday, 20 October.
Reports published on Wednesday alleged that Gachagua had advised Owino to abandon his gubernatorial ambitions and pursue the Nairobi Senate seat instead.
The claims circulated alongside online posters suggesting a possible change in Owino’s political plans following discussions among opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the reports did not establish that Gachagua had personally issued such advice. No direct confirmation of the alleged proposal was provided, and Owino’s response did not indicate that he had agreed to change his political ambitions.
Instead, the legislator dismissed the claims and maintained that he was still pursuing the Nairobi governor’s seat.
Earlier Claims Over Nairobi Bid
This is not the first time Owino has faced speculation over his plans for the 2027 elections.
In January 2026, reports circulated on social media claiming that he had shelved his Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions and was considering contesting for a parliamentary seat in Kisumu County following alleged consultations within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Owino rejected those claims, insisting that he remained committed to the Nairobi race.
“Forget about the fake information being peddled by my unworthy opponents. We are in Nairobi to stay,” he said at the time.
The recurring speculation has unfolded against the backdrop of political manoeuvring within ODM and wider opposition efforts to organise ahead of the next General Election.
Owino has been positioning himself to challenge for the Nairobi governorship currently held by Johnson Sakaja, whose political support and relationships with leaders across the political divide could shape the contest.
Mwananchi Party in the Picture
Owino announced the Mwananchi Party as his political vehicle for the 2027 elections on 18 September 2026, signalling his intention to pursue his political ambitions outside the traditional party arrangements.
His decision to establish a separate political platform adds another dimension to the Nairobi race, where several politicians are positioning themselves for the county’s top seat.
Among the political figures eyeing the governorship is Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who has been associated with Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The emergence of multiple aspirants raises questions about whether opposition leaders will agree on a common candidate or allow competing parties to field their own contenders.
For now, Owino has publicly dismissed suggestions that he is switching to the Senate race, insisting that his focus remains on City Hall as the 2027 elections approach.
