Babu Owino Breaks Silence on Winnie Odinga’s Nairobi Senate Bid

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has spoken out about Winnie Odinga’s entry into the Nairobi political stage, confirming he will not launch political attacks against the daughter of his late political mentor, Raila Odinga, as he launches his campaign for the city’s top county job.

Babu, who is aiming to succeed Governor Johnson Sakaja in the 2027 General Election, affirmed that Winnie has every right to pursue her political ambitions, just as he has the right to seek the governorship.

The lawmaker addressed Nairobi residents directly during a public engagement where voters sought his stance on Winnie’s entry into the senatorial race and raised questions about whether leaders from the same community should hold both county executive and legislative positions.

“On Winnie, I will leave it up to you. I will be the last person to attack Baba’s daughter, Winnie, just because I want to be a governor of Nairobi,” Babu said.

He urged residents not to view his gubernatorial bid as a driver for political conflict with Winnie, whom he spoke of warmly as the child of his political mentor.

“Baba’s daughter Winnie has her dream; I, myself, have my dreams. Allow her to pursue her dreams, and I pursue my dream,” he said.

Voters Hold Final Say on City Leadership

The legislator placed the final authority on county leadership directly with city voters, stating that Nairobi citizens will determine the political outcome in 2027.

“You are the people who will decide. I return that back to you to make that decision. I will not fight the daughter of my boss; I will leave it at that,” he added.

During the interactive session, some residents questioned whether political strategists should divide the governorship and senatorial seats across different ethnic backgrounds.

Babu rejected the notion that community ties should limit candidates, pointing to historical precedents set during the 2022 General Election. He pointed out that Nairobi voters elected Edwin Sifuna to the Senate and Johnson Sakaja as governor in 2022, despite both politicians hailing from the same community.

He argued that the electorate should shape the 2027 ballot choices through democratic voting rather than through pre-arranged ethnic formulas.

“You are the ones who will choose. After all, you chose Sifuna, who is a Luhya, and you also chose Sakaja, who is a Luhya,” he said.

While Babu continues positioning himself to run for the Nairobi governorship, Winnie’s decision to jump into the Senate contest introduces another major power dynamic into the capital city’s political landscape.

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