Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Babu Owino has dismissed claims that he has dropped his bid for the City Hall race moments after meeting Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) boss Rigathi Gachagua.
Babu took to social media on Wednesday, October 21, to reject reports suggesting that the former Deputy President had advised him to abandon his gubernatorial ambition and instead contest for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election.
“My unworthy opponents have given up and are now banking on fake news. Nairobi has already been decided. The gubernatorial race is between Babu Owino and Paul Ongili,” he declared.
The claims circulated after Gachagua held a meeting with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Tuesday, shortly after returning to Kenya from the United States.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi (left) and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino during a meeting at Wamunyoro, Nyeri County, on October 20, 2026.
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Gachagua
The meeting came amid political discussions over possible alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election, with DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala previously calling on Sifuna to work with Gachagua.
Gachagua reportedly advised Babu to drop his Nairobi governor bid for the Senate seat, which has added to speculation about how the emerging political alliances could affect the contest for City Hall. However, the Embakasi East MP has maintained that he intends to remain in the race.
This is not the first time Babu has had to respond to reports that he could abandon his Nairobi gubernatorial ambition. In January 2026, the lawmaker dismissed claims that he had shelved his bid to instead contest for a parliamentary seat in Kisumu County.
The lawmaker announced the Mwananchi Party as his political vehicle for the 2027 elections on September 18, signalling his intention to pursue the Nairobi governor's seat outside the traditional party arrangements.
The contest is also attracting interest from Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a close ally of Gachagua who has declared interest in the Nairobi governorship.
Incumbent Johnson Sakaja is also preparing to defend his seat, with speculation that he could ditch UDA for ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has also declared his intention to contest the seat, with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i featuring in discussions around his political plans.
Other aspirants positioning themselves for the race include Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, businesswoman Agnes Kagure, former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru, Makadara MP George Aladwa and political commentator Tony Gachoka.
The Nairobi governor's race is expected to attract significant attention given the capital's large electorate and political influence. Nairobi had 2,415,310 registered voters across 17 constituencies and 85 wards in the 2022 General Election, with the number expected to change ahead of the 2027 polls as voter registration and transfers continue.
An image of the Nairobi County Governor's Office.
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Kipchumba Murkomen