Babu Owino has put a clear timeline to his political ambitions, saying he will pursue the Nairobi governor’s seat in 2027, serve for one term and then make a presidential bid in 2032.
The Embakasi East MP said he has no intention of seeking the presidency in the 2027 election, despite his long-term ambition to become head of state. Instead, he plans to first take charge of Nairobi before moving on to the national stage five years later.
“Mimi mwenyewe nitaenda rais 2032. 2027 nimewachana nayo,” Babu said during an interview on Radio Jambo on Wednesday.
He said the plan was not new and had been shaped while he was still studying at the University of Nairobi. According to Babu, he had already worked out the stages of his political career, starting with Parliament, moving to the Nairobi governor’s office and eventually seeking the presidency.
“I knew in 2017 I would be a Member of Parliament, go for two terms, 2017 and 2022. Then I go for governor in 2027, then 2032,” he said.
Babu said his plan for a one-term governorship is linked to a wider political idea that leaders should agree to serve for a single term before giving their support to one presidential candidate.
He said he had spoken about the proposal with politicians associated with the Linda Mwananchi and United Opposition formations. In his view, such an agreement would allow leaders to pursue a common political goal instead of repeatedly competing for different elective seats.
The MP also said governors could achieve more if they focused on delivering services during one term rather than spending time seeking another mandate.
Babu then defended his performance in Embakasi East, saying he had made use of the resources available to him to support development in the constituency.
He pointed to a number of road projects, particularly in Mihango Ward, as evidence of the work carried out during his time as MP.
Among the roads he mentioned were Kigwada Road in Mihango, which he said links towards Kayole, Shooters-Gesora Junction Road, Alinga Road, St Michael's Road in Choka and Chok Road.
He also listed a road connecting Mihango Primary through Assumption School to Roffin School and Kangundo Road.
Beyond development projects, Babu said his record also included work in Parliament, particularly legislation. He challenged other elected leaders to show the bills and laws they had helped push forward while representing their areas.
The MP also responded to allegations of corruption, saying he was not aware of any audit report accusing him of taking public resources from Embakasi East.
“Na Embakasi East nimefanya kazi. Hujaisikia any audit report ya kwamba Babu amepora mali ya Wakenya,” he said.
He further pointed to his bursary programme, saying residents could see the support that had been extended to beneficiaries through the initiative.
Babu used the biblical story of the talents to make his point on leadership and public resources. He said leaders should make good use of what they are entrusted with and should be judged by the results of their service to citizens.