• Babu Owino Tops Polls – Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili Owino would dominate in a hypothetical showdown against Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja if elections happened today, as per a recent survey by the pollster firm Centre for African Progress (CAP).
Abel Oyieyo, CAP’s Operations Manager, revealed that Babu Owino would lead, securing 42 percent support from city voters. In contrast, Governor Sakaja would come in second with 23 percent support for his re-election bid.
“7 out of 10 city residents believe Governor Sakaja has faltered due to chaotic transport, rising insecurity, corruption at the county, and a failed school feeding program,” Ayieyo explained.
Although currently in his second term, Babu Owino hasn’t officially declared his gubernatorial intentions. Nonetheless, Oyieyo suggested that if he enters the race and secures the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, his path to the governorship could be relatively smooth.
Despite Babu Owino’s potential candidacy, ODM leader Raila Odinga has already thrown his support behind Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
As per the survey, Wanyonyi gained the backing of 11 percent of city voters, placing him behind Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who holds the third spot with a 12 percent approval rating.
“It’s crucial to note that almost all elected MPs from Nairobi County don’t view Sakaja as a competent Governor,” Oyieyo emphasized.
The survey, conducted on November 16 and 17, 2023, with a sample size of 3,000 registered voters in Nairobi, highlighted that Governor Sakaja might face challenges in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party primaries – the same party that facilitated his ascent to the Governorship. Oyieyo cited discontent among certain Nairobi lawmakers unhappy with Sakaja’s administration of city affairs.
According to Oyieyo, internal dissatisfaction within the ruling party could work in Babu’s favor, presenting a substantial opportunity for him to defeat Governor Sakaja in the upcoming election.
“Governor Sakaja still has enough time to shift the dynamics because, as they say, a single day in politics can be a long time. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming days as more realignments occur,” Oyieyo concluded.
Babu Owino Tops Polls, Emerges Strong Contender for Nairobi Governorship.