Babu Owino has dismissed Mosiria’s unverified payment allegation.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino rejects Geoffrey Mosiria’s payment allegation as the former Nairobi chief officer leaves office amid a fallout with Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Babu Owino has dismissed Geoffrey Mosiria’s allegation that he received Sh20 million to soften criticism of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The payment claim remains unverified.
The dispute comes after Mosiria lost his position as Nairobi County Chief Officer for Public Participation, Citizen Engagement and Customer Service. He had recently announced plans to challenge Sakaja in the 2027 General Election.
Babu Owino rejects payment allegation
Mosiria alleged that the Embakasi East MP had criticised Sakaja over Nairobi’s roads before seeking money to stop. He claimed the legislator demanded Sh50 million and received Sh20 million, after which his criticism diminished.
In response, Babu dismissed Mosiria with insulting remarks about his mental health. However, he offered no further details addressing the alleged payment.
No independent evidence establishes Mosiria’s claim. Both politicians have expressed interest in Nairobi’s governorship, adding a political dimension to their public dispute.
County names acting replacement
The county government announced Mosiria’s replacement on October 21, naming Zipporah Njeri Mwangi to lead the docket temporarily. She will also retain her responsibilities as Chief Officer for City Culture, Arts and Tourism.
However, the notice gave no specific reason for Mosiria’s removal. His exit followed months of criticism of the county administration and a public breakdown in relations with Sakaja.
During a podcast interview, Mosiria alleged that disagreements over his work and Sakaja’s leadership had damaged their relationship. He also claimed the governor responded rudely when he raised concerns.
According to Mosiria, Sakaja asserted his authority as governor and said he could act as he wished. These allegations have not been independently established.
Mosiria raises budget complaints as race takes shape
After his removal, Mosiria alleged that the administration had sidelined him for almost three years. He also claimed it had reduced his responsibilities and departmental funding.
He said the health budget under his oversight dropped from Sh1.2 billion to Sh100 million. Mosiria linked that alleged reduction to his refusal to facilitate direct procurement arrangements.
He claimed those arrangements would have benefited people close to the governor and county contractors. However, no independent evidence establishes these accusations.
Earlier, on October 11, Mosiria announced his gubernatorial ambitions during a visit involving Jubilee leaders to Jesus Is Alive Ministries Church. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru leads the church.
Mosiria said he wanted to improve Nairobi and suggested Wanjiru could become his running mate. Meanwhile, Sakaja is expected to seek a second term, with Babu among the potential challengers.
The dispute places the county administration’s record alongside the emerging political rivalry. However, the allegations against Sakaja and the alleged payment to Babu remain unproven.
