Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is reportedly preparing to leave Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and mount his bid for the Nairobi governorship on the ticket of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s National Economic Development Party (NEDP), in what could reshape the city’s 2027 political landscape.

Sources familiar with the ongoing discussions say Babu’s move is driven by growing indications that ODM is likely to support incumbent Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for a second term under the broad-based political arrangement between the party and President William Ruto. The anticipated endorsement has reportedly left the Embakasi East lawmaker with little room to pursue his gubernatorial ambitions within ODM, forcing him to explore an alternative political vehicle.

NEDP is increasingly emerging as that vehicle. Insiders say Babu views the Sonko-led party not only as a viable platform for his 2027 campaign but also as a gateway to the former governor’s enduring political network. Despite his legal and political setbacks, Sonko is still regarded as an influential figure in Nairobi politics, particularly in the city’s informal settlements and among sections of the Kamba voting bloc.

Babu’s allies believe an alliance with Sonko would significantly bolster his electoral prospects. Within the MP’s camp, there is confidence that he has consolidated substantial support among Luo voters in the capital while steadily expanding his appeal among many Kikuyu voters through his national profile and constituency development record. Strategists believe Sonko’s backing could help unlock another critical voting constituency ahead of the high-stakes gubernatorial contest.

The political negotiations are also said to extend beyond Nairobi. Last week, sources indicate that James Orengo, Babu Owino and Mike Sonko held talks in Nairobi exploring a possible working relationship between the Linda Mwananchi movement and NEDP. Under the proposal, NEDP would formally align with Linda Mwananchi and field candidates not only in Nairobi but also in other parts of the country.

Even so, Sonko’s own political future remains uncertain. Although he has repeatedly signalled his intention to stage a political comeback, his eligibility to contest the 2027 General Election continues to be clouded by ongoing legal challenges stemming from his impeachment and subsequent court battles.

That uncertainty has fuelled speculation within sections of NEDP that Sonko could ultimately forgo a personal bid and instead throw his weight behind Babu Owino as the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer in Nairobi. Neither Sonko nor the party has publicly confirmed the claims.