Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has confirmed he will contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election under a new political party, signalling a major shift in his political alignment and casting fresh uncertainty over his long-standing association with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, May 4, 2026, Babu said his decision marks a clear break from past political structures and pointed to internal cracks within ODM as part of his reasoning for the move.
He was categorical that his future political direction will not be anchored within the current ODM framework, suggesting that the party has lost its functional cohesion.
“ODM does not exist in its effective form,” Babu said, offering a blunt assessment of the party that has played a central role in his rise in national politics.
His remarks come at a time when ODM continues to face internal debate over leadership direction, succession politics, and its positioning ahead of the next general election cycle.
While the party remains one of the most influential political formations in the country, emerging divisions have increasingly been the subject of public political commentary.
Babu further revealed that his 2027 Nairobi governor bid will be anchored under a new political formation linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement, a platform he says is shaping his next phase of political engagement.
When asked whether he would be part of the emerging structure, Babu dismissed the idea of remaining within traditional party constraints, insisting that political parties should be viewed as vehicles rather than permanent political homes.
In his remarks, he also ruled out running as an independent candidate, stating that his strategy is firmly tied to organised political mobilisation under a new party structure.
“I am not going to vie as an independent candidate,” he said, adding that the Linda Mwananchi movement is working on a broader political plan intended to “propel” his gubernatorial ambitions.
Babu’s announcement is expected to intensify early political positioning in Nairobi, where competition for the governor’s seat is already beginning to take shape.
His entry under a new political party adds another layer of uncertainty to the city’s 2027 race, particularly within opposition-aligned politics where ODM has historically played a dominant role.