The rivalry between Geoffrey Mosiria and Babu Owino has been a long-standing one, with roots tracing back to their days at the University of Nairobi. Both men participated in student leadership, with Owino rising to prominence through the Students' Organization of Nairobi University (SONU) and Mosiria serving as SONU's Secretary for Sports and Entertainment. Their time at the university provided opportunities to build networks, mobilize supporters, and develop public profiles that would later prove valuable in national politics.
According to Mosiria, their relationship took a difficult turn during a student leadership election in which he competed against Owino. Mosiria alleged that the election was manipulated in Owino's favor, contributing to the differences between them. This disagreement appears to have extended beyond the outcome of a campus election, becoming part of a longer-running dispute over leadership and political influence.
After leaving university, Owino pursued elective politics and won the Embakasi East parliamentary seat in the 2017 general election. He retained the seat in the 2022 polls, cementing his position in Nairobi's political landscape. Mosiria, on the other hand, built his career in public administration within the Nairobi City County Government, serving in the health sector before moving into environmental management.
Mosiria's rise to prominence in Nairobi was largely due to his hands-on approach to city problems, which attracted considerable attention on social media. His videos frequently showed him confronting illegal dumping, addressing sanitation concerns, and engaging with residents over activities affecting the city's cleanliness. This approach gave Mosiria a public profile that extended beyond the offices of City Hall.
The differences between Mosiria and Owino have also surfaced in discussions about Nairobi's persistent environmental problems. In March 2025, Mosiria criticized Owino over his use of photographs showing garbage in Nairobi, arguing that leaders should support efforts to address the problem rather than merely highlight it. This exchange brought their rivalry into the realm of everyday city management.
Mosiria has claimed that Owino views him as a potential political threat, suggesting that their differences are connected to concerns about his growing public profile and political ambitions. This allegation raises questions about what happens when a public official begins attracting attention traditionally associated with elected leaders.
As both men continue to play significant roles in Nairobi's public affairs, their rivalry remains a subject of interest. With Mosiria's growing public profile and Owino's established electoral base, it remains to be seen how their relationship will evolve in the future. One thing is certain, however: their long-running feud is unlikely to fade away anytime soon.
Key points
- The rivalry between Geoffrey Mosiria and Babu Owino dates back to their University of Nairobi days.
- Mosiria alleged that a student leadership election was manipulated in Owino's favor, contributing to their differences.
- The disagreement between the two men has extended beyond politics, surfacing in discussions about Nairobi's environmental challenges.
