TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has set the political scene abuzz after dropping strong hints that he may throw his hat in the ring for the presidency in 2027.

The vocal and disruptively confident lawmaker has fueled the growing speculation that he could be preparing to challenge the old guard and ride a youthful wave into State House.

In an interview on Hot 96 on Monday, April 21, Babu revealed that he is in communication with his fellow youthful legislator, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, as they position themselves as part of a new wave of leadership poised to steer the country forward.

Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)

“The time is now, and the time for youthful leadership is now,” Babu said. “I have an ambition—there could be a presidential ambition, there could be a gubernatorial ambition, depending on how we will agree with Ndindi.”

Babu praised Ndindi, describing him as a top performer just like himself, and hinted at a possible alliance between the two youthful MPs.

According to Babu, the current administration has failed to meet expectations, creating what he sees as numerous leadership "vacancies" across all levels of governance.

With the perceived vacuum, the Embakasi East legislator said he is spoilt for choice between contesting for governor or going all the way for the country's top seat.

“My supporters are fighting day and night,” he said. “Some are saying, ‘Babu, you have to be the president in 2027.’ As things are, I am overqualified for this position.”

The MP went on to boast of his readiness and political muscle, claiming that his popularity is so strong that if he declared his bid today, his victory would be swift and overwhelming.

“If we decide to go for the presidency, early in the morning we’d have defeated our opponents,” he stated boldly. “We wouldn’t even need to pay agents.”

He criticised President William Ruto’s administration, saying it had underperformed despite high hopes.

Babu expressed his initial belief that Ruto would have been the best president Kenya ever had, given his humble background and firsthand experience of the challenges ordinary Kenyans face.

Reflecting on his own political beginnings, Babu recalled his days as a student leader at the University of Nairobi, saying that was when he set his sights on national leadership.

“I wanted to be a national leader, that’s why I was a student leader,” he said. “Leading students meant uniting all tribes in Kenya without discrimination. Because of the good work I did at the university, the people of Embakasi East saw potential in me and poached me.”

Babu added that he draws inspiration from revolutionary leaders across the world who rose to power at a young age.

“Look at Ibrahim Traoré, look at Fidel Castro — at 32, he was already a president. Gaddafi became president at 28. So we are late. Running a nation only needs a clear mental faculty,” Babu remarked.

Addressing congregants at NPN The Legacy Church in Westlands on April 18, Babu expressed confidence that he is the only politician capable of defeating Ruto, even suggesting that he could do so with ease shortly before the polls.

Drawing from his own background of growing up in poverty, he said his desire to lead is driven by the need to uplift ordinary Kenyans.

The MP also made a passionate appeal to the youth, particularly Gen Z and millennials, to actively engage in the 2027 elections by not only to voting, but also contesting elective positions.

Source: TUKO.co.ke