MP Sam Atandi: Babu Owino is the next governor of Nairobi
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 18, 2026Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi has expressed confidence in Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s gubernatorial ambitions, saying he believes he is the next governor of Nairobi City.
While speaking during an interview with Obinna TV, the Budget Committee chair, despite his earlier opposition to the Linda Mwananchi movement of which Babu Owino is part stated that young parliamentarians will carry the day in the next general elections.
He dismissed claims of any feud between him and the gubernatorial hopeful, saying they are friends and both serve in the Budget Committee, where Babu Owino contributes significantly to the budget-making process.
“The only thing I know about Nairobi is that my friend Babu Owino is going to win the election for governor; he is the next governor of Nairobi”
On his recent remarks perceived as threats targeting Linda Mwananchi’s political activities, he admitted that he only warned that the meeting would not take place but later clarified his position.
According to him, this does not amount to any conflict with Babu Owino, who remains one of the popular faces of the Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement.
Analyst’s perspective
Speaking during an interview on his YouTube channel on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Manyora expressed confidence in Babu’s quest for the city’s top seat, saying that if he chooses Wiper as his political vehicle, it will already be a done deal, and Kenyans should simply wait for his swearing-in.
According to Manyora, if Babu runs on a Wiper ticket, he will sweep all Kamba votes, since Nairobi has a large Kamba population resulting from the overflow from neighbouring Kamba counties. This, combined with the strong Luo vote base, makes his victory even more likely.
“I think for Babu Owino, it is agreed generally by all that he is already the governor of Nairobi, unless something drastic happens. Running on Wiper seals the deal and makes it easy. If he joins Wiper, it’s something you don’t even want to talk about; you just wait for his swearing-in,” Manyora said.
Babu Owino’s bid
Babu Owino himself has exuded confidence in his candidature, saying that he will only serve for a single term before setting eyes on the national stage