Mbadi Challenges Babu Owino Over Homa Bay Political Ambitions Ahead of 2027

HOMA BAY, Kenya — Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has challenged Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to test his political popularity in Homa Bay after the legislator vowed to campaign against Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a church service in Suba South on Sunday, Mbadi dismissed Babu's political influence in the region and questioned his decision to target an incumbent leader in Homa Bay.

“He said that he will come to Homa Bay to oust Kaluma. Who is Babu Owino? You know you can overrate yourself,” Mbadi said.

The Treasury CS described Babu as a relatively young politician and challenged him to contest or campaign in Homa Bay Town if he wanted to demonstrate his popularity.

Mbadi Backs Kaluma

Mbadi said he would personally mobilise support for Kaluma's re-election in the 2027 polls, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision would rest with Homa Bay voters.

“I know Homa Bay people will decide, but even I, John Mbadi, have followers in Homa Bay town who want to give me Homa Bay votes. I will make sure Kaluma is re-elected,” he said.

Mbadi also pledged to mobilise support for President William Ruto in the region as political alignments ahead of the next General Election continue to take shape.

His remarks underline the growing competition among political leaders seeking influence in Nyanza, traditionally regarded as a stronghold of the opposition.

Leaders Warn Against Political Confrontations

Other Nyanza leaders aligned with the broad-based government joined Mbadi in warning the Linda Mwananchi movement against visiting the region with what they described as intentions to cause political disruption.

Mbadi challenged both Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo to test their political popularity in Homa Bay, insisting that residents should determine the region's political direction.

The Treasury CS's remarks come amid increasing political activity in Nyanza as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ayacko Calls for Peaceful Politics

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko backed calls for peaceful political engagement, saying politicians should not visit communities with the intention of provoking confrontations.

Ayacko argued that leaders seeking support in the region should engage residents respectfully rather than create political tension.

His comments reflect growing concerns over the possibility of political clashes as competing factions seek to consolidate support across Nyanza.

Sudi Criticises Orengo

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also entered the political debate, accusing Governor Orengo of acting against the interests of the Luo community.

Sudi urged the veteran politician to consider retiring from active politics and allow younger leaders to take a more prominent role in representing the community.

Orengo, one of Kenya's longest-serving political figures, remains an influential voice in Nyanza politics despite increasingly facing competition from younger leaders and emerging political movements.

Nyanza Politics Heats Up Ahead of 2027

The latest exchanges highlight intensifying political competition in Nyanza as parties and individual leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The region has traditionally been associated with opposition politics, but the formation of broad-based political alliances has created new political calculations.

With rival leaders openly challenging one another's influence, Homa Bay and the wider Nyanza region are likely to remain key battlegrounds as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.

For now, Mbadi's backing of Kaluma sets the stage for a potentially fierce contest over political influence in Homa Bay, while Babu Owino's reported ambitions could further reshape alliances in the region.