Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has firmly denied claims that he has dropped out of the Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Babu said reports circulating on social media were false and misleading.
In a short statement, the outspoken lawmaker dismissed the rumours suggesting that he had abandoned his bid for Nairobi governor to instead seek a seat in Kisumu County.
He blamed the claims on political opponents who, according to him, are trying to confuse his supporters and weaken his campaign.
“Forget about the fake information being peddled by my unworthy opponents. We are in Nairobi to stay,” Babu said.
Babu Owino has openly declared his interest in running for the Nairobi governor’s seat in the 2027 General Election.
If he goes ahead, he will face off against the current governor, Johnson Sakaja, who is seeking a second term.
Sakaja was elected in 2022 under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and currently enjoys the support of the broad-based government.
The race, however, is complicated by party politics. Babu is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is also part of the broad-based government backing Sakaja.
Within ODM, there have been mixed signals about who the party may support in the Nairobi race. Babu has not yet confirmed which political party he will use to contest for the seat.
In recent months, Babu has increased his public appearances and engagements across Nairobi, a move many see as early campaigning.
He has also been described as one of the young leaders expected to shape the future leadership of ODM.
Some supporters have expressed concern that ODM may deny Babu the party ticket, especially after party leader Raila Odinga appeared to warm up to Governor Sakaja.
However, ODM leader Oburu Odinga previously dismissed such fears during a TV interview in October last year.
Oburu urged Babu to remain patient and loyal to the party, saying ODM nominations would be fair and transparent.
He added that any candidate who wins through a clean process would automatically get the party ticket.
Governor Sakaja has, in the past, enjoyed a close working relationship with Raila Odinga and has attended several ODM functions.
In September, Sakaja survived an impeachment attempt after President William Ruto and Raila Odinga stepped in to cool tensions at City Hall.