Babu Owino outlines his transition plan as he eyes presidency in 2032
By Faith Lagat, May 5, 2026Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has outlined a long-term political roadmap advocating for a one-term presidency model while signalling his interest in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Speaking during a radio interview on Monday, May 4, 2026, Babu Owino said the 2027 president should serve only one term before a transition in 2032.
“In 2032, we go for the president. Whoever we are going to put as Linda Mwananchi, I will serve one term. That is how it is,” Owino said.
He confirmed that he will contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 under the Linda Mwananchi movement rather than the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He also stated that ODM is no longer central to his political direction. “ODM does not exist;sahii tuko na lemon,” he said.
Opposition coalition and leadership selection model
Babu Owino called for a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, saying unity among multiple political figures would be necessary to mount a successful presidential challenge. He named several leaders as potential partners in the arrangement.
“We need coalition. Coalition of parties,” he said. “We can team up with opposition,” naming former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, David Maraga, and others.
He said the immediate goal should be a coordinated political strategy ahead of the election. “The first thing first is to remove the unwanted person first,” he said.
Babu Owino also proposed a structured method for selecting a joint candidate through opinion polling.
“Let’s go scientific. Let’s do scientific polls. Whoever is ahead should be supported. Whoever is second should deputise. Whoever is third should be the prime minister. That is very fair,” he said.
Governorship plan and governance priorities
Owino said his gubernatorial agenda would focus on service delivery and confronting cartels in Nairobi County if elected in 2027. He warned against interference in public contracts and pledged decisive action.
“The first people I am going for are cartels. I am going to deal with them decisively,” he said.
He added that public mobilisation would be used to address obstruction of governance processes. “I have the people. If I bring five million Nairobians to your house, utahama uende uishi village,” he said.
Owino’s remarks come amid growing discussions within the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been engaging opposition leaders on possible coalition frameworks ahead of the 2027 general election.
He further emphasised rotational leadership and term limits as part of his proposed political structure, stating that no single leader should dominate beyond a single term in office.