Babu at crossroads as Raila endorses Sakaja for Nairobi 2027 governorship race

By Wesley Koech

The race for Nairobi gubernatorial seat is simmering as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday, 10^th February 2025, named Governor Jonson Sakaja as his preferred candidate in 2027.

The announcement has created a rift within ODM, as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has been laying ground to contest for the seat on the party’s ticket in 2027.

Speaking during a prayer meeting held in Nairobi for Raila’s Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid by ODM leaders, Raila said Nairobi is safe in the hands of Sakaja.

“I want Nairobi to be solid that’s why I want my son (Sakaja) to hold on and do his work well,” Raila said.

Several leaders present lauded the move by praising Sakaja for working with leaders from both UDA aand ODM parties without discrimination.

“I want to thank in a special way our Nairobi governor for standing with our party yet he is not a member. I am kindly pleading with him to leave UDA and join ODM so that we walk together,” said Nairobi ODM chairperson George Aladwa, who is also the Makadara MP.

On her side, Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, who is also ODM national chairperson, showered the governor with praises, as she also pleaded with him to join the party.

“We thank Sakaja for standing with ODM in Nairobi. Just like Aladwa has said, I want to ask Sakaja to give the matter of joining us a deep thought,” the governor said who also serve as the ODM chairperson.

 When given a chance to speak, governor Sakaja took a quick move by reassuring that they there will be a new discourse and he will consider their words when the right time comes.

“I have to respond to the requests made to me. I want to say that the signs of rainfall are heavy clouds and whoever has eyes should not be reminded to read the signs. We are together in this,” said Sakaja.

According to Babu, Sakaja’s number one critic, Sakaja should not be on Raila’s list since he has never supported him politically before.

“Raila should know better. Sakaja has always opposed his presidency and consistently voted for his opponents since 2007. He is not one of us,” said Babu.