Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has stated that there is a plot within his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), to play games on him, similar to what happened to Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi in 2022.

While speaking during an interview with a local media station on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, the Nairobi gubernatorial seat hopeful said that he is privy to information indicating that ODM insiders want to surprise him at the last minute.

He explained that they want to string him along by promising him the party ticket, only to change the arrangement four months before the election, claiming that they have crafted an agreement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in which the Nairobi gubernatorial seat is reserved for UDA.

He cited that a similar strategy was used against Tim Wanyonyi, where the party decided to support Jubilee candidate Polycarp Igathe, leaving him in the cold and forcing him to defend his Westlands seat instead.

“They want to string me along, promising me the party ticket only to change four months to election and say that they have crafted an arrangement with UDA in which the Nairobi gubernatorial seat is reserved for UDA,” Babu said

Babu Owino further stated that this is why he has been adamant about wanting to take over as the ODM party leader so that he can secure his own ticket.

“This similar strategy was used against Tim Wanyonyi, and it is for this reason that I am keen on becoming the ODM party leader so that I sign my own ticket.”

He referenced a recent poll that recognised him as the Luo kingpin, holding a 33 per cent lead over Siaya Senator and current ODM party leader Oburu Odinga. He expressed confidence that this commanding lead will propel him to victory in the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

Why leadership change

Owino reiterated his stance regarding his interest in taking over ODM party leadership. He said that ODM should convene the National Delegates Conference (NDC) to choose the next party leader. He added that those at the helm of the party, along with supporters, should reflect on whether it is appropriate for one to wait until attaining an advanced age of 70 or 80 before assuming party leadership.

“ODM should convene NDC to choose the next party leader. Those at the helm of the party, along with supporters, should reflect whether it is right for one to wait until they attain advanced age of 70-80 before they ascend to party leadership,” he said

Upcoming ODM NDC

He also revealed that there is a plot to invite only delegates from favourable regions to elect the party leader. He warned that if the party goes in that direction, it could result in two NDCs. He stated that they will carefully review the list of delegates to ensure its authenticity, and if necessary, call their own NDC.

He emphasised that even during Raila Odinga’s lifetime, it was clear that he was the natural successor. He further stated that if the party leadership insists on selling the party, alternative arrangements will soon be offered to the public, as there is no time to waste.

He affirmed that the spirit of Raila Odinga is with him and other like-minded leaders such as Winnie and Sifuna.