Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has denounced Oburu Oginga as the Orange Democratic Movement party leader, stating that they recognise him only as an elder, not the party leader.
Speaking during the ‘People’s’ National Delegates Convention (NDC) of the Linda Mwananchi faction at Ufangamano House on Friday, the MP questioned what he termed the hurried installation of Oburu as party leader following the death of Raila Odinga, stating that members were pressured to endorse the decision.
He dismissed the move, saying it did not reflect the values Raila upheld.
“Is that the true spirit of ODM? Is that the true spirit of our leader, Raila Odinga?” Owino asked.
“Is that the spirit of the youth who fought to bring down oppression and raise the burden of freedom? Is that the true spirit of Gen Z?”
He added, “We will respect Oburu as our elder but not our leader.”
The meeting at Ufungamano House ran parallel to another ODM NDC convened at Jamhuri Grounds, where a rival faction led by Oburu gathered delegates to deliberate on party leadership and internal affairs.
Both sides insisted their meetings were legitimate, deepening divisions within the party.
Owino questioned the legality of the Jamhuri meeting, arguing that the process of convening the NDC was flawed.
“The NDC at Jamhuri is illegal,” he said.
“It is the Secretary General who is supposed to call for such a meeting, and that process was not followed.”
At Ufungamano, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders aligned to the faction defended their position, maintaining that their forum reflected the will of party members.
Owino used the platform to highlight broader concerns affecting Kenyans, linking them to what he described as the party’s founding ideals.
“We will continue to fight for Kenyans,” he said.
“A teacher graduates and stays for years without employment. Some will retire before getting jobs. Doctors’ salaries are delayed, and students graduate without opportunities.”
