Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has declared that he will adopt a hardline stance against corruption if elected Nairobi Governor in the 2027 General Election, saying graft has crippled service delivery in the capital.

Speaking outside the Nairobi Area Police Station on Friday, June 5, 2026, where he had visited comedian-cum-activist Eric Omondi, who was arrested over links to the recent fuel protests, Babu said corruption remains the biggest obstacle to efficient service delivery, accusing it of draining resources meant for essential public services.

“We cannot tolerate corruption in Nairobi County. It is corruption that has killed Nairobi County,” he said.

He argued that many of the challenges facing the city are not unique or insurmountable, insisting that basic service delivery has been neglected due to mismanagement of public funds.

“There are unique challenges in Nairobi. Sweeping takataka is not unique; constructing roads is not unique; providing water for residents is not unique; working on medical facilities and providing drugs and paying medics and other support staff is not unique,” he said.

According to him, effective leadership and accountability are the key missing ingredients in the management of county resources.

“You just need to decide and work for the people. But corruption has brought Nairobi County to its knees,” he added.

Firm stance against corruption

Babu Owino said that if elected governor, he would take firm action against any form of corruption within the county administration, warning that offenders would face legal consequences.

“I will not tolerate corruption if elected Nairobi governor. If you tolerate corruption, you go to jail,” he said.

He emphasised that his leadership approach would be anchored on ensuring that public funds are fully directed toward improving services for Nairobi residents.

The MP, who has increasingly positioned himself as a potential contender for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, said his campaign will focus on restoring accountability, efficiency, and transparency in county operations.

He further cautioned voters against supporting leaders who do not prioritise the fight against corruption, arguing that clean governance is a prerequisite for meaningful development.

“If you elect me because I will fight corruption, then you better not elect me because I will fight corruption,” he said in a strongly worded statement underscoring his commitment to enforcement.

Senior County official suspended

The remarks come hours after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja suspended County Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Akivaga Analo following his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged corruption and the recovery of large sums of money.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, 2026, Sakaja said the suspension takes immediate effect pending the conclusion of investigations by the anti-graft agency.

“The County Chief Officer Urban Planning Patrick Akivaga Analo is immediately suspended pending conclusion of the investigation,” Governor Sakaja said in the statement.

The county government added that Analo will not be allowed to access his office, official documents, or county systems during the suspension period.

Governor Sakaja simultaneously appointed Dominic Mutegi, the Director of Development Management, to act in the position with immediate effect.

“The officer will not be allowed to access his office or any official documents or systems during this period. Mr. Dominic Mutegi, the Director of Development Management shall act in this capacity effective immediately,” Sakaja stated.

The governor said the county administration respects the rule of law and will cooperate fully with the EACC and other investigative agencies handling the matter.