The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing a fresh challenge in Nairobi as several lawmakers publicly throw their weight behind Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The growing support puts the party in a difficult position as it considers who should carry its ticket in Nairobi, with Makadara MP and ODM Nairobi branch chairman George Aladwa already declaring his interest in the seat. Governor Johnson Sakaja is also reportedly considering seeking re-election on an ODM ticket as part of the wider political cooperation between ODM and UDA. 

Over the weekend, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' became one of the latest senior politicians to openly support Owino. Speaking in Homa Bay, Kajwang' urged the Embakasi East MP to pursue the Nairobi governorship, with his remarks receiving a strong response from the crowd.

Awendo MP Walter Owino has also backed his namesake, saying Nairobi's Luo community should support Babu's bid and assess his performance as governor before considering him for a higher political position. 

Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang'o, had earlier expressed support for Babu's gubernatorial ambitions. Jalang'o said he expected Babu to serve as governor before eventually handing over the political mantle to him as he pursued a higher position.

“If Babu Owino is given the ODM ticket, he will be the Nairobi governor,” Jalang'o said, while warning that denying him the ticket could create a difficult contest for other candidates. 

Babu himself has made it clear that he intends to pursue the Nairobi seat. He has questioned the possibility of ODM giving Sakaja the party ticket, pointing to the governor's political history and his previous support for President Mwai Kibaki, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto rather than the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The debate has also put Aladwa in a delicate position. The Makadara MP has insisted that anyone seeking the ODM ticket should go through free and fair party nominations. He has also maintained that ODM should retain control of the Nairobi gubernatorial contest rather than simply handing the ticket to someone joining the party. 

ODM leader Oburu Oginga has previously acknowledged the complications surrounding Babu's political position. In March, Oginga said Owino had told him that he was targeting votes in the Mount Kenya and Kamba regions and that remaining within ODM could affect those plans. Oginga nevertheless warned that leaving or distancing himself from the party could cost Babu support among ODM voters. 

The situation is further complicated by Babu's association with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been challenging the direction of ODM's current leadership. Despite those differences, Babu recently reaffirmed his support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's 2027 presidential ambitions, describing himself as fully behind the senator and calling for opposition unity.

For ODM, the Nairobi contest is therefore shaping up as a difficult balancing act. The party has Aladwa openly seeking the nomination, Babu gaining public support from several MPs, and Sakaja potentially entering the race through an ODM ticket.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the question of who ultimately receives the ODM nomination could become one of the most closely watched political battles in Nairobi.