Political Firestorm in Nairobi: Sakaja vs Babu Owino and the 2027 Race

In Kenyan political space, sparks often fly on social media platforms, but a recent feud between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has taken the rivalry to a new level.

The heated exchange began when Babu Owino criticized Governor Sakaja’s “Dishi na County” school feeding program, calling it a scandal and a mismanagement of public resources.

He questioned the program’s effectiveness, arguing that individual schools should manage their feeding initiatives.

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“We will continue to hold you accountable. We will force you to keep your promises, especially to innocent children, tutakulazimisha iWork!” Babu tweeted, taking a swipe at the governor’s perceived lack of action.

Her Excellency @SakajaJohnson Koskei

The people of Nairobi are not stupid. They will not be distracted with sideshows. The questions are direct and simple:

1. Did the children of Nairobi get food from the county today? Yes or No

2. Did parents pay for food that was not…

— Babu Owino (@HEBabuOwino) September 18, 2023

Sakaja, however, dismissed Babu’s claims as mere political propaganda.

He defended the “Dishi na County” initiative, highlighting that 80,000 children were already benefiting from the program at an affordable cost of five shillings per meal.

Sakaja emphasized that the first phase of schools had been receiving their meals on time and communicated that all headteachers should continue with their arrangements.

A few people are against our feeding program for nefarious reasons. Resorting to propaganda won’t work. Using children for politics won’t work. The first phase of schools onboarded have been getting their hot meals daily and on time. All head teachers have communication to… pic.twitter.com/lgyiXctYJL

— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) September 18, 2023

But the feud didn’t stop at policy disagreements; it escalated into personal attacks.

Babu Owino alleged that Sakaja had a history of using fake degree certificates, implying that he was unfit for public office.

“Sakaja Johnson dropped out in second year from the University Of Nairobi, School of Mathematics BSC Actuarial Science. He is however forcing his Graduation this Friday. He has bribed some University officials to include him in the Graduation List…this man is a master of forgery.” Babu Owino Wrote.

Sakaja, in return, accused Babu of drug use, specifically cocaine, and warned that it could ruin his life.

“You’re clearly still high. You stopped when? A few minutes ago? Stop completely bro, cocaine will ruin you.” Sakaja wrote.

The online spat unfolded in the public eye, with both politicians resorting to personal jabs and allegations that went beyond the realm of political discourse.

Insults, insinuations, and accusations flew back and forth, leaving Kenyans on Twitter with a popcorn-worthy spectacle.

However, this feud is not just about social media clashes. It is rooted in the early race for the Nairobi Governor’s seat in the 2027 General Election.

Babu Owino has made it clear that he has his eyes set on the position currently occupied by Sakaja.

He expressed confidence in his ability to clinch the coveted City Hall seat and claimed that Sakaja was merely warming it for him.

“I am overqualified to win any position in this country from the President to a village elder,” Babu Owino confidently declared during a television interview.

He outlined his options, which included running for President, Deputy President, or Nairobi Governor in 2027.

While Babu may have a strong belief in his political prowess, the early campaigning signals a fierce competition for the Nairobi Governorship.

The exchange on social media and the early posturing for the Governor’s seat have also attracted the attention of other Nairobi leaders, particularly members of the County Assembly (MCAs).

A group of MCAs allied to various political factions defended Governor Sakaja and the “Dishi na County” school feeding program, emphasizing its positive impact on the city’s residents.

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They accused opportunistic aspirants of attempting to derail the program for their political gain.

In the world of Kenyan politics, social media may just be the appetizer for what promises to be a hotly contested race to lead the capital city.