NAIROBI, Kenya- Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has questioned whether Embakasi East MP Babu Owino can unseat Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the 2027 election.
Waiguru pointed to the city’s voter demographics and Owino’s recent political differences with presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna.
“I don’t think Babu can beat Sakaja,” Waiguru said during a live Citizen TV interview.
She argued that the Gen Z voters who drove the 2024 protests were largely informed and politically engaged, and would not automatically support a candidate simply because they were mobilised or facilitated.
Waiguru did not cite polling or specific voter figures to support her assessment.
Her remarks, however, put the developing Nairobi governor contest and the relationship between two prominent Linda Mwananchi figures under fresh scrutiny.
Owino has declared that he will seek the Nairobi governorship in 2027, setting up a possible contest with Sakaja, the incumbent.
In September, Owino used a Linda Mwananchi rally in the city to criticise the county government over unemployment, garbage collection, water shortages and public health facilities.
Waiguru referred to “that thing” between Owino and Sifuna, amid reports of tension over the political vehicle Linda Mwananchi should use in the next election.
Owino has his own party, The Mwananchi Party, while Sifuna unveiled The Equitable Party (TEP) as his vehicle for the 2027 presidential race on October 4.
The differences have centred on party strategy and the ambitions of the movement’s leaders.
Owino has said he needs his own political party and a team of Nairobi MCAs to govern effectively. Sifuna, meanwhile, is pursuing a national presidential bid.
But the two have also publicly played down reports of a falling-out.
At TEP’s unveiling, Owino backed Sifuna’s presidential bid and urged Linda Mwananchi supporters to remain united.
Earlier, he said he supported Sifuna “100%”, even as he focused on his own campaign for Nairobi governor.
Sakaja’s political future is also attracting attention.
The governor has confirmed that he is in talks with ODM officials about joining the party, but said he had not made a decision and was consulting supporters.
ODM’s director of elections, Junet Mohamed, has publicly urged Sakaja to join if he wants the party’s backing for another term.
