Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has spoken out following the circulation of a viral photo linking him to President William Ruto’s son, Nick Ruto, in what appeared to be a social drinking setting.

The photo, which shows Owino seated with several young men at a table laden with beer bottles, sparked a storm online. Dressed in a crisp white shirt, the MP is seen smiling in conversation, while Nick Ruto sits beside him, seemingly extending a handshake.

In a strongly worded clarification, Owino set the record straight. He explained that the photo was taken in 2018, dismissing claims that it was recent. According to him, those circulating the picture were deliberately misleading the public by captioning it: “Babu Owino drinking with Nick Ruto.”

“The last time I drank alcohol was on January 17th, 2020. The photo in question was taken in 2018,” he said.

The MP went on to stress that he has been sober for five years, a decision he attributes partly to the tragic DJ Evolve shooting incident, which served as a turning point in his personal life.

“I have been sober for the past five years. I transformed my life, and I intend to transform Nairobi the same way,” Owino declared.

Owino’s remarks come at a time when he is increasingly vocal about his political future. A loyal member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), he has represented Embakasi East since 2017 and has long harbored ambitions to contest for the Nairobi governorship.

Before his parliamentary career, Owino rose to national prominence as the fiery chairperson of the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU). His leadership style, often centered on youth empowerment and education, has remained a hallmark of his politics.

Speaking about his vision for Nairobi, Owino emphasized transformation, pledging to extend the personal discipline he gained through sobriety to the city’s leadership.

“My agenda is to empower Nairobians and transform their lives the same way I transformed my own,” he said.

Owino’s political messaging continues to resonate with the youth, particularly around themes of education, opportunity, and empowerment. His latest statements reaffirm his determination to seek the city’s top job, with or without the explicit endorsement of his party.

As speculation grows around Nairobi’s 2027 gubernatorial race, Babu Owino’s journey of personal transformation and his promise of citywide change are likely to remain central talking points in the unfolding political contest.