Babu Owino Vows to Crack Down on Nairobi Cartels If Elected Governor

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has issued a stern warning to individuals and networks he describes as cartels operating within Nairobi County, saying he will not tolerate their activities if elected governor in the 2027 General Election.

Owino maintained that he would neither associate himself with cartels nor allow them to influence the operations of the county government.

Speaking about his governance agenda, the legislator argued that one of the biggest reasons governors fail to dismantle cartels is that some eventually become part of the same systems they are expected to eliminate.

He said effective leadership requires independence, political will and a commitment to protecting public resources from individuals seeking to benefit from government contracts through irregular arrangements.

Strict Procurement Rules and Transparency

Owino pledged to ensure that all county procurement processes strictly follow the law, warning that government contracts must be awarded and managed transparently.

He said his administration would not entertain irregular procurement practices or allow individuals to exploit public projects for personal gain.

According to the MP, contractors awarded county projects must deliver the full scope of work agreed upon before receiving payment.

He emphasised that public money should only be released in accordance with contractual obligations, ensuring taxpayers receive value for every shilling spent.

Promises to Clear Nairobi's Pending Bills

The legislator also identified the growing problem of pending bills as an issue requiring urgent attention.

He argued that settling legitimate outstanding payments owed to contractors and suppliers would help restore confidence in the business environment and inject money back into the local economy.

Owino suggested that addressing pending bills would also reduce opportunities for corruption and financial manipulation within county operations.

'Cartels Should Not Vote for Me'

In one of his strongest statements, Owino directly addressed individuals involved in cartel activities, telling them not to support his gubernatorial ambitions.

He maintained that anyone expecting to benefit from corrupt arrangements under his leadership would be disappointed.

The MP warned that his administration would dismantle networks undermining service delivery and accountability, insisting that those involved would have no place in his government.

His remarks form part of a broader campaign message centred on fighting corruption, improving county services and restoring public confidence in Nairobi's leadership.

Nairobi's 2027 Governorship Race

Owino's latest remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Nairobi gubernatorial contest expected to attract significant attention.

His proposed anti-cartel agenda places procurement transparency, financial accountability and the management of county resources at the centre of his political platform.

However, whether he can translate these promises into effective institutional reforms remains a question that voters will ultimately assess as the election approaches.