Embakasi East MP Babu Owino/ FILE Babu said he planned to serve as governor for one term and then leave the position to pursue his presidential ambitions, as he outlined a broader proposal for political leaders to serve single terms before supporting a common candidate for president.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Jambo on Wednesday, Babu said he had mapped out his political journey while at the University of Nairobi, including serving as a Member of Parliament before seeking the governor's seat and later the presidency.
“I knew in 2017 I would be a Member of Parliament, go for two terms, 2017 and 2022. Then I go for governor in 2027, then 2032,” he said.
Babu said he had discussed the one-term proposal with leaders in the Linda Mwananchi and United Opposition formations, arguing that leaders could agree to serve one term in elective positions before supporting one person for the presidency.
He said the arrangement would allow political leaders to plan beyond individual elective positions and eventually back a single presidential candidate.
“Mimi mwenyewe nitaenda rais 2032. 2027 nimewachana nayo,” Babu said, indicating that he would not seek the presidency in 2027.
Babu argued that governors should consider serving one term as a way of focusing on delivering services rather than spending a second term campaigning for re-election.
Babu also defended his own record as MP for Embakasi East, saying he had used the resources available to him to serve constituents.
He cited road projects in Mihango Ward and other parts of Embakasi East as examples of work undertaken during his tenure.
Among the roads he listed were Kigwada Road in Mihango, which he said links towards Kayole, Shooters-Gesora Junction Road, Alinga Road, St Michael's Road in Choka, Chok Road and a road linking Mihango Primary through Assumption School to Roffin School and Kangundo Road.
He also said his parliamentary work included legislation and challenged other leaders to account for bills and laws they had helped advance in their constituencies.
Babu further defended his record against corruption allegations, saying he had not seen an audit report accusing him of stealing public resources in Embakasi East.
“Na Embakasi East nimefanya kazi. Hujaisikia any audit report ya kwamba Babu amepora mali ya Wakenya,” he said.
He also cited his bursary programme as part of his record in the constituency, saying beneficiaries could see the assistance being provided.
Babu used the biblical parable of the talents to illustrate his argument that leaders should make effective use of whatever resources they are given.
He said leaders entrusted with public resources should be judged by how they use them to serve citizens.
