Oburu Odinga Makes Promise to Babu Owino Over Nairobi ODM Governor Ticket
NAIROBI, Oct 29 — Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has assured Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that the party will award him the Nairobi gubernatorial ticket if he wins the nominations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Ramogi TV, Oburu said the ODM nomination process would be transparent and fair. He urged Owino to remain patient and loyal to the party, dismissing fears of internal bias.
“I do not think there can be any reason to deny him the ticket if he wins the nominations,” Oburu said. “If he wins, he will get it, so let him not run away from the party.”
Oburu encouraged all aspirants for the Nairobi governor’s seat to participate openly in the primaries rather than defecting to rival parties. “Nobody can take the ticket away from you if you win it and you’re a member of the party,” he said.
Owino has signaled his interest in the Nairobi governor’s seat and is seen among the younger ODM figures seeking to shape the party’s next phase of leadership following the passing of Raila Odinga.
Oburu cautioned against viewing Raila’s succession through the lens of regional power brokers, saying leadership will emerge naturally. “A kingpin will sprout out of nowhere like a mushroom; someone will just emerge and take Raila’s space,” he said.
He added that he had yet to meet Owino in person but had sent emissaries to reach out to him on party matters.
The 2027 Nairobi governor’s race is expected to draw several contenders, including incumbent Johnson Sakaja, former CS Moses Kuria, former PS Irungu Nyakera, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and Owino.
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Oburu Odinga Makes Promise to Babu Owino Over Nairobi ODM Governor Ticket