Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has broken his silence after a photo of him drinking alongside President William Ruto’s son, Nick Ruto, went viral.

The MP dismissed the photo as outdated, saying it does not reflect his current lifestyle. He alleged the photo was taken in 2018, two years before he quit drinking.

In a social media post, Babu revealed that he has been sober for over five years and used the moment to reflect on his personal growth. He promised to bring the same kind of positive transformation to Nairobi if he were to become governor in 2027.

“The last time I drunk alcohol was on the 17th, January 2020,” he wrote. “The photo was taken in 2018. I have been sober for the past 5 years.”

The MP further linked his sobriety to his leadership goals.

“I will transform the lives of Nairobians and Kenyans the way I transformed my Life,” he stated.

Babu has publicly declared that he will run for Nairobi governorship in 2027 with or without ODM support. Aware of party infighting and elbowing for the party ticket, the second-term MP said he is ready to go it alone, even as an independent candidate if need arose.

His remarks also come amidst speculation about his political affiliation, more so his stand in ODM and association with the emerging Kenya Moja movement.