{
  "id": 15347718,
  "title": "Babu Owino defends Winnie Odinga’s Nairobi Senate ambitions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/babu-owino-defends-winnie-odingas-nairobi-senate-ambitions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T04:06:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/babu-owino-defends-winnie-odingas-nairobi-senate-ambitions"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Embark upon the tale of Babu Owino, a member of the Embakasi East Parliament, who has given voice to his unwavering support for Winnie Odinga's aspirations for the Nairobi Senate. This defense is rooted in the respect Owino holds for the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and by extension, his family. Owino has stated that he will not stand in Winnie's way simply because he seeks the governorship of Nairobi in the 2027 General Election.\n\nWinnie, daughter of the late Raila Odinga, has recently declared her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the upcoming election. This announcement was made during the first anniversary commemoration of her father at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County. Babu's support for Winnie's Senate bid is predicated on the notion that both should be allowed to pursue their respective political ambitions without conflict.\n\nExpressing this sentiment, Babu told those gathered on Saturday, October 17, 2026, \"I will be the last person to fight his child just because I must be the governor of Nairobi.\" He emphasized that his respect for Raila extends to all of Raila’s family members, especially his daughter. This stance comes as politicians, such as Babu and Winnie, position themselves for the 2027 elections. The Nairobi Senate and gubernatorial races are attracting several aspirants, including Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o.\n\nBabu's appeal is clear: the choice of leaders should be left to the voters, and he urges young people not to be impatient. His message resonates with the spirit of democracy, where the people hold the power to decide who represents them.",
  "summary": "Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has defended Winnie Odinga’s right to pursue her political ambitions, saying he will not fight the daughter of his late political mentor, Raila Odinga, simply because he wants to become Nairobi governor. Babu said his respect for the former prime minister extended to his family, insisting that Winnie […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Babu Owino supports Winnie Odinga’s Nairobi Senate bid",
    "Winnie Odinga announces Senate candidacy at father’s memorial",
    "Babu emphasizes respect for Raila Odinga’s family in politics"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Owino’s refusal to contest Winnie Odinga’s Senate ambitions signals a strategic prioritization of political legacy and personal respect over direct competition for influence within the Nairobi leadership race.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}