President William Ruto addressing Nairobi residents on 10 March, 2025. Photo/PSCU
By Wanderi Kamau
When President William Ruto embarked on his five-day tour of Nairobi on Monday, March 10, 2025, a conspicuous absence loomed over his engagements.
Three key Nairobi leaders—Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi—were missing. Their absence was not a coincidence but a calculated political move, reflecting deeper tensions, 2027 ambitions, and ideological differences.
Ruto’s political game plan in Nairobi
President Ruto’s visit to Nairobi was strategic. With his national popularity declining, he sought to reaffirm his grip on the capital, a region that has historically leaned towards the opposition. By initiating this early campaign push, Ruto aimed to create momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Nairobi is the heartbeat of our politics, and I am here to listen to the people,” Ruto declared during a rally in Gikomba. “We must work together to build a united city and nation.”
Also read: Babu at crossroads as Raila endorses Sakaja for Nairobi 2027 governorship race
However, many saw the tour as an attempt to project strength amid growing discontent with his administration. Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi observed, “Ruto is not just visiting Nairobi. He is trying to rewrite the narrative that he has lost the people. He wants to remind the opposition that he still commands influence in their stronghold.”
Why the three leaders snubbed Ruto
1. Babu Owino: The calculated snub
Babu Owino’s decision to avoid Ruto’s events was both ideological and strategic. The outspoken MP has been a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, once telling Raila Odinga, “I cannot support a government that is butchering its citizens.”
But beyond principle, Babu’s political ambitions played a crucial role. He has set his sights on the Nairobi gubernatorial race in 2027, a seat Governor Johnson Sakaja is likely to defend with Ruto’s backing. Aligning with Ruto now would mean endorsing Sakaja’s re-election bid, something Babu cannot afford.
“I was threatened to be kicked out of ODM in 2027, but I don’t fear,” he stated defiantly, signaling his loyalty to the opposition even as internal party politics complicate his path.
Additionally, Babu is strategically gravitating towards Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to secure the Kamba vote in Embakasi East and across Nairobi. With strong support among Luos and Luhyas, he only needs Kikuyu youth support—hence his recent overtures towards Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
2. Edwin Sifuna: A reluctant participant in the Ruto-Raila deal
Since the March 7, 2025, signing of the Ruto-Raila pact at KICC, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has struggled to embrace the new political reality. His body language during the event was cold, signaling reluctance.
Political analyst James Murache explains, “Sifuna has built his career as a staunch Raila loyalist and Kenya Kwanza critic. Seeing him suddenly embrace Ruto’s administration would not sit well with his supporters.”
Also read: Sifuna: The unlikely figure at Ruto, Raila pact signing
His absence from Ruto’s tour underscores his continued unease with the handshake. Unlike other ODM leaders who have quickly warmed up to the arrangement, Sifuna is playing a waiting game, perhaps hoping to see how it unfolds before fully committing.
3. Tim Wanyonyi: Keeping his eyes on 2027
Like Babu Owino, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi is also eyeing the Nairobi governor’s seat in 2027. He had initially vied for the position in 2022 before stepping down in favor of Polycarp Igathe under Azimio’s arrangement.
For Wanyonyi, appearing alongside Ruto would have implied endorsing Sakaja, his potential rival in 2027. Political strategist Mark Bichachi notes, “Tim Wanyonyi is a silent but strategic politician. He knows that showing up at Ruto’s events would send the wrong message to his supporters.”
Furthermore, Wanyonyi has long built his brand as an independent-minded leader within ODM. While he respects Raila Odinga, he has avoided controversial alliances that could alienate his base. His absence was a quiet but firm statement.
2027: The bigger picture
The absence of these three leaders from Ruto’s tour is best understood within the context of the 2027 general elections. While Ruto is working to solidify his influence in Nairobi, these leaders are carefully positioning themselves for the future.
Babu Owino is crafting a coalition that includes the youth, Luos, Luhyas, and Kambas, while cautiously appealing to the Kikuyu electorate through Gachagua. Tim Wanyonyi is playing the long game, ensuring he remains a strong gubernatorial contender. Edwin Sifuna, meanwhile, is navigating the shifting political landscape, reluctant to fully embrace the Ruto-Raila détente.
Read also: Mulembe MPs defend Wetang’ula against ‘unwarranted attacks’
What next?
Ruto’s Nairobi tour will undoubtedly shape the political discourse in the capital. While some ODM leaders are warming up to him, others remain skeptical. The real battle, however, will be in the coming months as 2027 dynamics take center stage.
Ngunyi aptly puts it, “Politics is about perception. Ruto wants to create the illusion that he is still in control, while Babu, Sifuna, and Wanyonyi are playing a game of patience, knowing the real battle is yet to come.”
For now, their snub speaks volumes—politics in Nairobi is just getting started.
