Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stole the spotlight at the funeral of Raila Odinga, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds in Bondo.
His name drew one of the loudest cheers from the crowd after being mentioned by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo during the roll call of leaders in attendance.
The youthful legislator, known for his fiery oratory and street-level politics, basked in the applause as mourners erupted in chants of his name.
Babu’s appearance came despite his earlier claim that there was a plot to attack him during the funeral. He had publicly declared that his life was in danger but vowed to attend regardless, saying he owed his presence to Baba, as Raila Odinga was fondly known.
His fearless demeanor struck a chord with many in the crowd, who saw in him the defiant spirit of the man they were laying to rest.
In recent weeks, speculation has been rife that Babu Owino could emerge as one of the contenders for the ODM party’s future leadership.
His growing influence among the youth and his appeal within urban strongholds have positioned him as part of a rising generation within the movement.
During Raila’s public viewing in Nairobi, Babu was filmed mingling with the masses and even joining supporters who had scaled the walls of Parliament.
With Odinga’s death, the ODM party now faces a period of intense realignment. One camp, led by Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna, and Caleb Amisi, represents the younger reformist bloc.
The other, dominated by veterans like Gladys Wanga, Millie Odhiambo and Junet Mohammed, seeks to preserve the old guard’s influence.
As the orange movement mourns its founder, the battle to inherit his political legacy has already begun.