Nairobi News

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP), Paul Ongili Owino, popularly known as Babu Owino, seems to be changing his stance on the Azimio la Umoja presidential aspirations for 2027.

According to the outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party lawmaker, in 2027, the opposition should consider trying the Wiper Party leader, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, to see if he can oust President William Ruto (Kenya Kwanza).

Babu Owino is a close ally of Azimio leader, Mr Raila Odinga, who has not publicly declared if he will be on the ballot to contend with Dr Ruto.

However, his allies say he will battle out with President Ruto.

Speaking at a funeral ceremony in Kitui over the weekend, Babu Owino called on the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance fraternity to unite and support Mr Kalonzo.

“In 2027, I urge the Azimio family to unite and focus on what lies ahead. Even if we try His Excellency Kalonzo Musyoka, isn’t that a good thing?” the MP posed to the mourners.

Mr Kalonzo, a former Vice President, was also in attendance, and Babu Owino lauded him for his past service.

He served as the late retired President Mwai Kibaki’s vice in a coalition government where Azimio leader Raila Odinga was the Prime Minister.

In addition, between 2003 and 2004, Mr Kalonzo also served as the Foreign Affairs Minister.

“Your Excellency, when you worked as the Foreign Affairs Minister, things went smoothly… When you were the Vice President, with Baba (Raila Odinga) as the Prime Minister, things were good, but for now, they have gone astray,” Babu Owino explained, criticizing President Ruto’s government over the rising cost of living.

While reviewing Dr Ruto’s promises to Kenyans leading up to the 2022 elections, the vocal MP said the head of state has failed to fulfil them, hence the opposition should unite to ensure he does not succeed in seeking his second and last term.

“We were told that mama mboga, when he clinches power, will own a supermarket. Has she opened one or not? We were told that bodaboda operators will advance to owning vehicles, buses, and even matatus. Have they bought them?” Interrogated the MP.

To bring down the cost of living, Babu Owino claimed that Azimio should unite and mobilise its supporters to vote overwhelmingly in 2027.

President Ruto, on his side, has been recorded a number of times alleging that Kenya has been held hostage to foreign debts which he is struggling to settle.

A year after he clinched power, the cost of living has more than doubled, especially with the increase in taxes and levies on basic commodities.