Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, better known as Jalang’o, has publicly thrown his weight behind Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for the Nairobi governorship in 2027, saying Owino stands the best chance if handed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
“If Babu Owino is given the ODM ticket, he will be the Nairobi governor,” Jalang’o said during a radio interview on Friday with presenter Alex Mwakideu. “If he is not given, he will cause a lot of trouble for the other candidates.”
Jalang’o described Babu as a determined political force, capable of delivering victory in the capital. He also hinted at his own future ambitions, adding, “I am preparing you for Babu Owino’s leadership as Nairobi governor. I know he is coming to serve one term, and after that, he will hand it over to me as he moves higher.”
The comments come as ODM quietly gears up for a competitive race to reclaim the Nairobi seat, currently held by Governor Johnson Sakaja. In the last election, ODM’s Nairobi campaigns were marred by internal rivalries and divided endorsements.
Jalang’o warned that if ODM fails to unite behind a single strong candidate, the party risks losing the seat entirely.
“Politics, at a certain level, is tribal,” he said bluntly. “If Edwin Sifuna, Tim Wanyonyi, and Babu Owino all run, they will cancel each other out.”
He added: “They need to sit down and agree on one candidate, or else the votes will be divided and a Mount Kenya candidate will win.”
The Lang’ata legislator was quick to clarify that his comments weren’t meant to favour one individual over others but reflected a broader concern for ODM’s strategy.
“All three are strong because of Raila Odinga’s support, but they can’t go into the race together,” he said.
His remarks seem to have resonated with Babu Owino, who posted a video clip of the interview on his social media pages on Friday, accompanied by a short caption: “All our opponents are unworthy.”
So far, neither Sifuna nor Wanyonyi has responded publicly to Jalang’o’s comments. ODM officials have not issued a formal statement on the matter either.
With the 2027 general election still over two years away, the Nairobi gubernatorial race is already shaping up as one to watch. The early positioning signals internal battles that could define the party’s future in the capital.
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