The development adds another layer to the political competition surrounding the Nairobi gubernatorial race, with Babu increasingly positioning himself as a serious contender for the city’s top seat.
In the latest development highlighted by NTV Kenya, Babu has confirmed that he intends to contest for the Nairobi governorship in 2027, regardless of whether he receives the backing of ODM.
The declaration is significant because Nairobi remains one of ODM’s important political battlegrounds.
Support from elected leaders could therefore give Babu additional political momentum as he seeks to consolidate support across the capital.
The latest endorsement also comes at a time when political alignments within ODM and the wider opposition camp continue to shift.
Babu has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi political movement alongside other prominent politicians, creating questions about how his ambitions will fit into ODM’s plans for Nairobi.
For ODM, the situation could present a difficult balancing act. The party will have to manage competing ambitions while attempting to maintain unity among its leaders and supporters in Nairobi.
Babu, meanwhile, appears determined to take his campaign directly to voters. His growing visibility and public endorsements could force the party to carefully assess the strength of his support before settling on its preferred candidate.
The Nairobi race is expected to attract several high-profile politicians, making the contest one of the closely watched battles ahead of 2027.