The fallout within the Orange Democratic Movement （ODM） took a new twist on Sunday, February 23, just months to the 2027 General elections. This is after Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino stated that he must be the ODM party leader – signaling a looming explosion within the orange party, which is under the leadership of Oburu Oginga, the elder brother of former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga.
In a media interview, the firebrand lawmaker explained that for now, he must be the ODM party leader as he continues to make political plans. However, Babu Owino whose official name is Paul Ongili, did not specify if he will stage a coup to oust Oburu Oginga and take over the leadership of ODM, which is eyeing a pre-election pact with President William Ruto ahead of the elections.
“For now, I must be the ODM party leader. I am a leader, a decisive leader,” Babu stated regarding his current plan in the ODM party.
Babu explained that he was fit to lead the giant party that has dominated Kenya’s political landscape for more than 20 years, adding that he does not need to beg for the position.
To differentiate himself from the other political Leaders, he stated that the other leaders were led by a mission, unlike him, who is led by a vision for the people.
“My party is the people; we have seen people being elected even without a party,” Babu addressed the possibility of vying as an independent candidate in the forthcoming polls.
He stated that his first loyalty lies with the people, and no one can be his boss except for himself.
Additionally, he mentioned that being loyal to people is enough to get elected, even without being in a party.
ODM and the Babu Owino
ODM is navigating a delicate future without Raila Odinga, who died without defining a clear political course for his party, plunging it into chaos.
Already, the party has two camps – Linda Ground led by Oburu and Linda Mwananchi led by the embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, together with Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Also Read: Edwin Sifuna Expelled as ODM Secretary General
During a rally held in Kakamega on February 21, organized by the ODM’s Linda Mwananchi faction, the leaders criticized the current government. Babu and Sifuna did not recognize the leadership of Oburu, calling for a fresh start.
Linda Mwananchi faction openly rejected the alliance between ODM and the broad-based government, stating that they will not support Ruto’s re-election bid.
“Oburu is saying that ODM does not want the presidency. ODM has enough leaders who are capable of being president, including Sifuna, Babu, Orengo, and me,” stated Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Oburu Odinga’s alliance with Broad-based Government
Regarding, UDA – ODM deal, Oburu stated that he was following the directions left by Raila and that Sifuna, together with those in the Linda Mwananchi, were deliberately defying Raila’s direction by declaring their intention to vie for the presidential seat.
Also Read: ODM Linda Mwananchi Rejects Oburu- Ruto Alliance
Busia County woman representative and ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo reiterated that party’s the National Delegates Convention will be held in Nairobi on March 27,2026, as the party prepares its political strategy ahead of the 2027 General election.
The decision was reached during a National Executive Committee （NEC） meeting in Mombasa, chaired by party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.
“The Constitution of ODM says that no member of the Central Committee or the NEC can act on behalf of the party of ODM unless the NDC ratifies them,” she said.
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