Azimio leader Raila Odinga has endorsed Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja’s leadership as discussions around the 2027 General Election intensify. However, the move has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from supporters who expected Raila to back a candidate from his ODM party. The longstanding opposition leader made the endorsement during a prayer event for his African Union (AU) chairmanship candidacy, an event attended by key ODM figures and Sakaja. Why does Babu Owino criticise Raila’s endorsement? Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, a vocal critic of Sakaja, strongly opposed the endorsement, citing the governor’s past political affiliations.
Babu accused Sakaja of betraying Raila in the last two general elections by siding with the government and allegedly convincing some of Raila’s key allies to defect. “Let us not support Sakaja. He opposed Baba in 2013. When Raila wanted to run for the presidency, who was the chairman of TNA? Did he not oppose him? In 2022, who convinced Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to switch allegiance from Raila? Did he not oppose him? Now, why are we pleading with someone who abandoned us? Let that be over our dead bodies. We will not allow that,” Babu declared. He further claimed that even if Sakaja won, they would challenge the results, insisting he is a weak candidate. “And he is a very weak person. I don’t even know why Polycarp Igathe didn’t defeat him. Even if he wins, we will take the votes away from him,” Babu added.
Raila Junior also opposes Sakaja’s endorsement Moments before Babu’s remarks, Raila Junior, Raila’s son, also distanced himself from his father’s choice, appearing to support Babu amid the unexpected endorsement. Meanwhile, Sakaja, a known ally of President William Ruto, has recently drawn closer to Raila, particularly as the ODM leader seeks support for his AU chairmanship bid. Sakaja has been actively attending various ODM events, signalling a shift in political alliances. The endorsement has now fueled debate within ODM ranks, with questions arising over whether Sakaja could secure the party’s backing in the 2027 elections.
by Nancy Odindo
