Babu Owino Open to Teaming Up with Ndindi Nyoro for Nairobi Governor Race

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has signaled openness to collaborating with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro in the race for Nairobi governor, with the goal of unseating incumbent Johnson Sakaja.

Speaking onCitizen TV, Babu said nothing was stopping him and Ndindi from working together, noting that his youthful colleague possesses the intellect and qualities needed to lead the capital city.

“I can tell you today, before the Almighty God, that I will be the next governor of Nairobi. There are 10 million telling me to go for the presidency, 8.9 million telling me to run for the governor position, and 5 million saying I should convince Ndindi to be my deputy,” Babu stated.

He acknowledged ongoing speculation about both of them possibly running in tandem, with one aiming for governor and the other for deputy, emphasising that discussions are still open and that they would consider holding discussions on the same if the need arises.

“You have seen messages saying that Ndindi and I can both aim for the presidency at the same time as President and Deputy. What you should know is that at the end of the day, there is still a window that we can decide,” he added.

Babu pointed out that their combined political acumen, energy, and connection with the youthful population could make them a formidable team in the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

On his part,Ndindi declined to reveal whether he intends to leave his Kiharuseat to pursue other positions he has been linked to, including national posts or the Murang’a and Nairobi races.

Appearing jointly in the interview, the two MPs declined to reveal which political parties they might align with for either individual or joint bids in the 2027 elections. Babu remarked that he transcends party affiliations, while Ndindi maintained that it was premature to make such declarations.

Their remarks come asboth lawmakers appear to be reading from different scripts. Babu criticised certain senior figures he accused of undermining his party, ODM, while Ndindi turned the spotlight on UDA, faulting it for abandoning the economic and education promises made to Kenyans during the 2022 campaign.

The outspoken MP, who has previously highlighted the rising cost of living, blamed the government for ignoring citizens’ concerns, saying his main issue with President William Ruto’s administration was the deteriorating state of the economy.

Asked why he appeared to deviate from UDA’s line, Ndindi said: “I think that is a question best directed to the party, because I believe it is the party that deviated. When we were campaigning, I made it clear that I wanted to come here to sell our agenda. The party holds responsibility for shifting from what we promised.”

Meanwhile, Babu, Makadara MP George Aladwa, his Embakasi North counterpart James Gakuya, and former PS Irungu Nyakera are among the leaders who have openly declared their intentions to unseat Sakaja at City Hall.