Babu Owino denies withdrawing from Nairobi governor race

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed reports claiming he intends to withdraw from the Nairobi gubernatorial race. The lawmaker characterized the rumors as political propaganda spread by opponents concerned about his popularity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The speculation arose following a meeting at the residence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Nyeri County. Reports suggested that Gachagua had advised Owino to abandon his bid for the governorship to instead contest for the Nairobi Senate seat. Owino has rejected these claims, stating that no such arrangement exists and asserting that the race is a contest between himself and Paul Ongili.

The meeting in Nyeri included several political figures, such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and members of the Linda Mwananchi movement. Owino, who recently announced the Mwananchi Party as his political vehicle for the 2027 elections, maintains that his focus remains on capturing City Hall.