Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has intensified the contest over the future leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring himself the rightful successor to the party’s top seat and urging an immediate transition.
His remarks follow the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his brother Oburu Oginga, after which Oburu took over as party leader.
Babu Owino argued that ODM should not delay internal reforms and insisted that the party be handed over to him without hesitation.
“There is a storm in ODM and that storm, people must come together, and there must be an NDC that will ensure that the storm is solved. ODM should be handed over with an immediate effect, and you are looking at the party leader as we speak,” he said.
The legislator framed his move as part of normal political succession, saying he and other elected leaders were positioned to steer ODM’s next chapter.
He also referenced a recent opinion poll that he claimed placed him ahead of other contenders.
“There is no need to disrespect anyone, but it is our time. This is politics; we shall play it as it comes because we are leaders who have been elected in this country.
The polls the other day spoke very well; it stated clearly that Babu Owino should be the party leader at 33 per cent, followed by my father Oburu Oginga at 10 per cent. Clearly, the people have spoken,” he added.
His statement comes amid widening divisions within ODM, as a section of leaders oppose a proposed alliance between ODM and UDA to form the next government.
Last Wednesday, party leader Oburu Oginga said the party would not expel anyone, instead urging dissatisfied members to leave voluntarily.
“We must remain united as a party and we do not intend to chase anyone away. Those who wish to leave should do so on their own,” Oginga said during his first rally at Kamukunji Grounds.
Minority Leader and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed reaffirmed Oginga’s leadership in what appeared to be a response to a suggestion that an upcoming national delegates conference could usher in major leadership changes.
“There’s only one indivisible ODM party led by party leader Oburu Oginga. The earlier that sinks in, the better,” Junet said.
During Sunday’s rally, Winnie warned that ODM risked losing public support due to leaders she accused of betraying the party’s founding values.
