Nairobi’s politics have long been filled with heated debates about how the county is run, and questions about financial management often take center stage.
Among the politicians who rarely shy away from these issues is Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino. Known for his bold style and sharp criticism, Owino has consistently taken on Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, raising concerns about unpaid salaries, weak infrastructure, and the alleged misuse of public money.
His frequent interventions have made him both a popular and controversial figure, sparking constant conversations about accountability in the capital’s leadership.
Asha Abdi Nairobi Finance officer. Photo Courtesy/File
On September 18, 2025, Owino once again drew public attention when he made a strong accusation on his social media pages.
This time he pointed directly at Asha Abdi, Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Finance, accusing her of engaging in fraudulent transactions on behalf of Governor Sakaja, whom he mockingly referred to as “Wamadimplez.”
He claimed that Abdi had a questionable past, alleging that she had also left behind problems during her time in Mombasa County before moving to Nairobi.
Owino further mentioned that he had already submitted files on the matter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, calling for immediate investigations.
His post quickly gained traction, gathering views, likes, and shares as Kenyans expressed concern about the handling of county funds.
Abdi’s career background shows that she is no stranger to public financial management.
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja. Photo Courtesy/The Star Kenya.
Before her appointment in Nairobi in 2022, she served as Chief Officer for Finance and Economic Planning in Mombasa and earlier worked as County Executive Committee member for Finance in Isiolo.
Her nomination in Nairobi was subject to vetting by the County Assembly, where she outlined her experience in financial systems. However, despite this professional history, Owino’s remarks suggested that her previous positions were marked by challenges, though independent confirmation of such claims remains unclear.
This is not the first time Owino has locked horns with Sakaja’s administration.
In April 2024, he cited an Auditor General’s report and accused the governor of looting billions, pointing to failures in service delivery such as road projects, medicine supply, and bursaries.
Later in September the same year, he amplified workers’ complaints about salary arrears, painting a picture of a county struggling under mismanagement.
His repeated attacks have fueled talk of impeachment among Members of the County Assembly, many of whom have also voiced dissatisfaction with financial operations.
So far, neither Abdi nor Governor Sakaja has directly addressed these new accusations. While the governor has in the past defended his leadership by highlighting revenue improvements and service delivery projects, the pressure continues to mount.
For residents of Nairobi, who face daily struggles with transport, water supply, and healthcare, these allegations reflect deeper concerns about whether public resources are being used responsibly.
The EACC may eventually decide whether Owino’s claims hold weight, but the ongoing debate underscores how urgent transparency remains in county governance.
The unfolding events will likely shape both political careers and public trust in the months ahead.
