ODM faces Nairobi headache as MPs rally behind Babu Owino for governor

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing an increasingly difficult battle over its Nairobi gubernatorial ticket after several party leaders publicly backed Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for the seat in the 2027 General Election.

The endorsements threaten to complicate ODM's calculations in the capital, where Makadara MP and Nairobi ODM chairman George Aladwa has already declared his interest in the governorship.

Governor Johnson Sakaja is also reported to be considering his political options, including the possibility of seeking the ODM ticket as cooperation between President William Ruto's UDA and ODM deepens ahead of 2027.

But the growing support for Babu suggests any attempt to settle on a candidate without competitive nominations could trigger a major internal confrontation.

Kajwang' throws weight behind Babu

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' became one of the latest senior ODM politicians to openly back Babu's gubernatorial ambitions.

Speaking during a burial in Homa Bay, Kajwang' urged the Embakasi East MP to go for the capital's top job.

“Babu don't joke with Nairobi, take Nairobi,” Kajwang' said as the crowd responded in support.

The endorsement is politically significant because Kajwang' has been regarded as one of the leaders navigating the divisions that have emerged within ODM.

Awendo MP Walter Owino has also backed Babu, describing him as the best candidate to run Nairobi.

Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, has previously predicted that Babu would become Nairobi governor before eventually seeking higher office.

Babu versus Sakaja

Babu has meanwhile stepped up his claim to the Nairobi governorship, declaring himself the city's next governor and questioning suggestions that ODM could support Sakaja.

He has argued that Sakaja should not be handed the ODM ticket ahead of politicians who have historically supported the party.

The Embakasi East MP has also repeatedly stated that he intends to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027 before pursuing the presidency in 2032.

“I’m the next governor of Nairobi County,” Babu said during the Homa Bay event.

His position potentially puts him on a collision course not only with Sakaja but also with Aladwa.

Aladwa demands nominations

Aladwa has insisted that anyone seeking the ODM ticket must be prepared to face party nominations.

The Makadara MP argues that his long association with ODM and work within the party should be considered as it chooses its candidate.

“I have supported and strengthened this ODM party for many years,” Aladwa said, insisting that those considering joining ODM should be prepared to compete in nominations.

Aladwa has simultaneously backed cooperation between ODM and President Ruto, saying the parties should work together in the 2027 presidential election.

That creates a complicated political equation.

Babu has increasingly associated himself with the Linda Mwananchi political formation alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, while another section of ODM has moved closer to Ruto's administration.

Babu's complicated relationship with ODM

Babu's growing support from ODM politicians comes despite his increasingly strained relationship with the party's leadership.

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga previously suggested that the party could only support Babu if they remained in the same political camp.

According to Oburu, Babu had indicated that his efforts to attract Mount Kenya and Kamba voters could be complicated by remaining closely associated with ODM.

Babu has also signalled that his political future may lie outside ODM.

In July, he said he was preparing to unveil a new national political party, further raising questions about whether he intends to seek the Nairobi seat through ODM or another political vehicle.

Despite those differences, some ODM politicians continue to publicly support his gubernatorial ambitions.

Nairobi becoming key 2027 battleground

The contest matters beyond the personalities involved.

Nairobi is Kenya's political and economic capital and one of the country's most valuable electoral prizes.

ODM has historically enjoyed considerable support in the city but currently faces the challenge of deciding whether to field its own candidate, accommodate Sakaja through cooperation with UDA or contend with a Babu candidacy potentially outside the party.

Babu's growing profile adds another complication.

He has built a national political presence beyond Embakasi East and has increasingly positioned himself among a younger generation of politicians seeking a larger role in the country's leadership.

He has also made clear that Nairobi is part of a longer political strategy.

Last month, Babu said he intends to serve one term as Nairobi governor beginning in 2027 before seeking the presidency in 2032.

For ODM, the immediate challenge will be managing competing ambitions without further widening the divisions already emerging within the party.

For Babu, the question is increasingly different: does he still need ODM to capture Nairobi, or does ODM need Babu to retain its influence in the capital?