Pauline Njoroge drops out of the Nairobi gubernatorial race, endorses Babu Owino

Political strategist Pauline Njoroge has withdrawn from the Nairobi gubernatorial race in favour of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Speaking during an interview with Herman Manyora on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the outspoken Jubilee Party organising secretary, who had announced her intention to vie for the Nairobi governor’s seat months ago, expressed confidence in the lawmaker, saying he has what it takes to lead the capital.

“My interests were in the city hall, but I have stepped down for my friend Babu Owino. If he appoints me his deputy, I will accept,” Pauline Njoroge announced.

On her next political move after exiting the gubernatorial race, Pauline said she is yet to make a final decision. She noted that her political ambition had been focused on City Hall, but she stepped aside to support her friend, Babu Owino. But opined that if the Embakasi MP were to appoint her as his running mate, he would take the offer.

She, however, hinted that she could contest the Nairobi Senate seat but ruled out running for the woman representative position, saying she was already backing another candidate for that seat.

Pauline added that she will formally announce her next political move.

Pauline-Babu Nairobi agreement

“Babu is my really good friend, and he is a great leader, and he has done so many development projects in Embakasi, and he has even been ranked as number one in terms of the work he has been able to do as an MP,” Pauline said.

According to Pauline, Babu has been an instrumental leader in shaping her political ambitions, saying that she indeed admires him.

In addition, as the nation awaits the outcome of the Nairobi gubernatorial election, the Jubilee Party leader has stated that, in the meantime, the two are working closely.

“Babu is the one who is always defending Kenyans, so he is a leader I admire. And let me say that we are on the same side, so for now let us work for the people, and so when the time for elections comes, we will discuss who will leave the seat for each other,” Pauline said.