Babu Owino hints at Tony Gachoka as potential running mate
Babu Owino hints at Tony Gachoka as potential running mate
Embakasi East lawmaker Babu Owino has expressed the possibility of having political analyst Tony Gachoka as his running mate in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Sunday, September 28, 2026, the outspoken gubernatorial hopeful had kind words for Gachoka, describing him as a brilliant and rational person who knows what he wants.
“Tony Gachoka, why is he? Tony Gachoka, why? Because he’s a brilliant person. He’s a person who is very rational. He knows what he wants,” Babu said.
The Embakasi East MP went on to reveal that he is friends with Gachoka and would be open to working with him if the two can reach an agreement.
“Tony Gachoka is my friend, by the way, and we can work together,” Babu said.
Asked whether he can be his running mate, Babu said, ”Yeah. Why not? I’ve not said he’s the one, but why not?”
Babu added that Gachoka is qualified for the position but noted that discussions would have to take place before any agreement is reached.
“Because if we talk and agree, there are people who will also present themselves, but if we talk and agree with Tony, why not? Tony is qualified,” Babu added.
The remarks come days after former Jubilee Party organising secretary Pauline Njoroge, who dropped her Nairobi gubernatorial bid in favour of Babu Owino, also expressed interest in deputising the Embakasi East MP in his quest for City Hall.
Njoroge said she was open to changes as political discussions around the Nairobi race continue.
Gachoka, however, has remained adamant about his own gubernatorial bid and has on several occasions criticised Babu’s candidacy, arguing that the Embakasi East MP faces significant challenges in the race.
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According to Gachoka, his political background gives him an advantage, particularly because of his roots in the Mt Kenya region, which he says has a significant voting population in Nairobi.
He has argued that a large section of the Mt Kenya vote could lean towards him, while Babu could face competition for the Luo-Nyanza vote from incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Gachoka has also questioned Babu’s record in Nairobi, arguing that the lawmaker has not done enough for city residents to earn their trust for the governor’s position.
For Gachoka, his record includes his involvement in public litigation on issues affecting Kenyans.
He has cited the JKIA-Adani deal, which was stopped by the courts, claiming that the case was filed by him.
He has also pointed to the recent Safaricom shares divestiture case, which was halted by the High Court, as part of what he considers his record of engaging in matters of public interest.
With Babu now leaving the door open to a possible partnership with Gachoka, the development adds another layer to the unfolding 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial contest, where several aspirants are already positioning themselves for the race.
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