Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has said he will not fight Winnie Odinga over her decision to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, citing his respect for her late father, Raila Odinga.
Babu, who is seeking to become Nairobi governor, said his political ambitions would not make him turn against the daughter of the former Prime Minister, whom he regarded as a respected political leader.
“I will be the last person to fight his child just because I must be the governor of Nairobi,” Babu said during a political gathering on Saturday, October 17.
The legislator urged supporters to allow both politicians to pursue their ambitions, leaving voters to decide who deserves the respective seats.
“Let her pursue her dreams, and Babu should pursue his dreams,” he said.
Babu’s remarks come days after Winnie declared her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat, currently held by Edwin Sifuna.
Winnie made the announcement on Thursday, October 15, during the first anniversary commemoration of her father at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
“Let it not be a rumour. I will contest the Senate seat of Nairobi County,” she said, adding that she wanted more young people to join politics and seek elective positions.
Her entry into the race has sparked debate over how her ambitions could affect the political calculations surrounding Nairobi’s top seats ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has claimed that Winnie’s Senate bid could undermine Babu’s gubernatorial ambitions, although he has not provided publicly verified evidence that this was the purpose of her decision.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has also questioned whether Winnie and Babu can pursue their ambitions under the same political arrangement, arguing that Nairobi’s political and community dynamics could complicate their plans.
Babu, however, maintained that he would pursue his own ambitions without turning the contest into a personal battle with Raila’s family.
The Nairobi governor’s race is expected to attract several aspirants as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.