The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces a difficult task in determining its candidate for the Nairobi governorship after a section of MPs publicly backed Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who is aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction.
This is despite second-term Makadara MP George Aladwa, who is the party’s Nairobi County chairman, declaring his bid to unseat Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Makadara MP and ODM Nairobi branch chairperson George Aladw George Aladwa addresses delegates during the party's branch meeting at Pumwani Grounds in Nairobi on November 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Mr Sakaja is also said to be weighing his options of seeking the top county seat on an ODM ticket, even as UDA and ODM plan to share political positions and consolidate their dominance in the capital.
Over the weekend, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ publicly declared his support for Mr Owino, who has fallen out with the ODM leadership and is associated with the Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo-led Linda Mwananchi faction.
“Babu don’t joke with Nairobi, take Nairobi, Babu take Nairobi. With as many of the same opinions, say Aye,” said Mr Kajwang’ in Homa Bay as the crowd cheered.
The Homa Bay Senator, who is among leaders regarded as ‘fence sitters’ in the party’s internal divisions, was speaking during the burial of the son of Kasipul politician Newton Ogada. Mr Owino and Governor Orengo also attended the burial.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang'.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Awendo MP Walter Owino has also thrown his weight behind Mr Owino, saying he is the best person to manage the city.
“Babu wants to be governor in Nairobi, and all Luos in Nairobi should support him for the post. After assessing how he has performed in that role is when we can think and give him a more powerful seat,” said Mr Walter Owino in an interview with a local station.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, has also previously endorsed Mr Owino, who is serving his second term as Embakasi East MP, saying he will challenge him in 2032 for the seat.
Langata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalango.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“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,” said Jalang’o.
“If Babu Owino is given the ODM ticket, he will be the Nairobi governor. If he is not given, he will cause a lot of trouble for the other candidates,” he added.
In Homa Bay, Mr Owino questioned why ODM wanted to hand the party’s gubernatorial ticket to Mr Sakaja, arguing that the governor had never stood with the party at any level or supported the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“I’m the next governor of Nairobi County. ODM wants to give Sakaja a ticket yet in 2007 he supported Kibaki, then in 2013 and 2017 he supported Uhuru before supporting Ruto in 2022. He didn’t want Raila, yet he is now being fronted for governorship,” said Mr Owino.
The prospect of Mr Sakaja joining ODM has also unsettled Mr Aladwa, who insists that the party must conduct free and fair nominations.
"I have supported and strengthened this ODM party for many years, and everyone knows that we worked closely with our late party leader Raila Odinga. Let those who are planning to join ODM be ready for nominations. All MCAs and delegates are behind me," said Mr Aladwa.
“The Nairobi governor seat should be given to ODM. There is no shortcut about that. We have said that we will support President Ruto's reelection together with his deputy," added the legislator.
ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga has previously said the party can only support Mr Owino if they are in the same political camp.
"Babu was very clear with me that he is targeting the Mount Kenya and Kamba votes and staying in ODM will jeopardise his chances. However, I fear for him since he is likely to lose our votes if he doesn't work with us," said Dr Oginga in March this year after meeting Mr Owino.
ODM is currently seen as lacking a formidable candidate for the Nairobi governorship, a situation that could explain why some legislators and party supporters have openly backed Mr Owino.
Attempts by Dr Oginga to persuade Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi to contest the seat in 2027 have proved futile, with Mr Wanyonyi already focusing on the same seat in Bungoma County.
Mr Wanyonyi was prevailed upon to stand down for Polycarp Igathe in 2027, with the businessman ending up being trounced by Mr Sakaja.
