Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has vowed to take a hardline approach against what he termed ‘cartels’ if elected Nairobi governor in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, May 4, 2026, Owino said his administration would prioritise service delivery for residents over vested interests.

He noted that his leadership would be defined by firm action against individuals and networks he accused of frustrating public service delivery in the capital.

Owino said his first target as governor would be cartels operating in key sectors, arguing that they have hindered efficiency and development.

“Observe how I will lead Nairobians. The first people I am going for are cartels. I am going to deal with them decisively,” he said.

He accused such groups of undermining service delivery and benefiting unfairly from public contracts.

“These are the people if given a job, they don’t want to work. As a cartel, if you are given a job, do it, take your profit, let the services be delivered to Nairobians or Kenyans,” he added.

Warning against interference in governance

The legislator warned that his administration would not tolerate obstruction of government services, insisting that decisive leadership would be necessary even if it attracts public resistance.

“If you don’t do it, I will come for you. I have the people,” he said.

He further claimed that public pressure would be mobilised against those who undermine service delivery.

“I have the people. If I bring five million Nairobians to your house, utahama uende uishi village,” he added.

Leadership and decision-making

Owino said leadership requires making tough decisions in the interest of the public, even when such decisions are unpopular.

“You know, in leadership, you must make certain decisions whether people will be happy with it or not,” he said.

He maintained that his approach would prioritise the interests of ordinary citizens over entrenched networks benefiting from public systems.

The MP emphasised that his campaign message for Nairobi is centred on improving service delivery and ensuring accountability in governance.

“By dealing with cartels, it will be in the best interest of common mwananchi, and that is how it should be,” he said.

The lawmaker who is allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has been positioning himself as the better option for Nairobi, criticising the current administration of Johnson Sakaja for failing to deliver.

However, the lawmaker said that he will only serve as a governor for one term if given a chance in 2027, and go for higher office in subsequent elections.