Speculation is rife in political circles following reports in Talk of Town, the Sunday Nation column, that a youthful MP with gubernatorial ambitions has been approached by a rival party with an offer of a direct ticket and a key leadership position.
While the column did not name the legislator, political observers are linking the rumours to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has in recent years clashed with the ODM party leadership.
Sources point out that Babu Owino, who has secured two terms under the ODM banner, has openly sided with the Sifuna faction, which has been actively organising the Linda Mwananchi rallies.
His occasional disagreements with ODM have fueled speculation that he could be the lawmaker targeted by the rival party. However, this remains unconfirmed, and insiders stress that the talk is purely speculative.
The offer reportedly includes a top leadership post—Deputy Party Leader—and a guaranteed gubernatorial ticket, a combination aimed at leveraging the MP’s mobilization strength.
Observers note that the move aligns with earlier statements by Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, both of whom have expressed openness to having Babu Owino join their respective parties in the past.
Political analysts say that such overtures are not uncommon as Kenya gears up for the 2027 elections, with several MPs across the country already declaring their interest in vying for gubernatorial seats.
If the MP accepts the offer, it could reshape county-level politics and realign loyalties ahead of the polls.
For now, the identity of the legislator remains officially undisclosed, leaving room for speculation and debate across political forums and social media platforms.
The ongoing discussions reveal the strategic jockeying that characterizes Kenya’s pre-election season.