{
  "id": 5751551,
  "title": "Kaluma: Mt Kenya voters will not back Babu Owino for Nairobi governor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/kaluma-mt-kenya-voters-will-not-back-babu-owino-for-nairobi-governor",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T09:25:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/kaluma-mt-kenya-voters-will-not-back-babu-owino-for-nairobi-governor"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has expressed doubt about Embakasi East MP Babu Owino's chances of winning the Nairobi governor's position. In a statement on August 9, 2026, Kaluma claimed that Owino's decision to join the opposition and leave the ODM party has alienated him from the Kikuyu community, who are crucial to a Nairobi gubernatorial campaign. Kaluma stated that the Kikuyu voters, who Owino hoped to win over, would likely choose a Kikuyu candidate. He also argued that Owino would have a better shot at the seat if he maintained positive relations with the Homa Bay political establishment, particularly Governor Gladys Wanga. Kaluma's skepticism comes after initial optimism that Owino could unseat incumbent Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The race for Nairobi governor is anticipated to become more competitive, with other candidates from the Mt Kenya region, such as Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Kenya African Union spokesperson Tony Gachoka, also expressing interest in the position.",
  "summary": "Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has poured cold water on Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s bid to become the next Nairobi governor, arguing that the former ODM lawmaker will struggle to win the support of Mt Kenya voters. In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Saturday, August 9, 2026, Kaluma, who […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Embakasi East MP Babu Owino unlikely to win Nairobi governorship.",
    "Kikuyu voters may favor a Kikuyu candidate over Babu Owino.",
    "Peter Kaluma doubts Babu Owino's chances due to political alienation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}