Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has positioned himself as a strong contender to lead the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), citing his close relationship with the late Raila Odinga and long-standing service to the party.

In a television interview on February 23, 2026, Owino invoked the proverb “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” suggesting deeper issues surrounding Odinga’s death and expressing concern over how his burial was conducted.

“All these leaders were elected because of Baba,” Owino said. “Baba was a bridge, a ladder that so many used to climb to the next level.” He questioned the conduct of party leaders and government officials at the burial, asking, “Was that a political rally or Baba’s burial?”

Experience and loyalty to Odinga

Owino highlighted his direct involvement in Odinga’s campaigns and party activities.

“I campaigned with Baba in 280 constituencies out of 290,” he stated. “I was Baba’s MP. I was Baba’s boy.”

He also shared that he met with Odinga three weeks before his death and claimed that this proximity gives him the insight and authority to continue Odinga’s legacy.

Owino pointed to his personal sacrifices, including arrests, re-arrests, and being “the first person to have been abducted in Ruto’s government,” as evidence of his commitment to ODM.

Earlier in a social media post, he revealed his belief that he is the right candidate to lead the party, writing on January 30, 2026, that “Babu Owino ndiye ambaye anafaa kuwa party leader wa ODM.”

Vision for the party and future ambitions

Owino criticised ODM’s recent trajectory, arguing the party should maintain its ideological focus rather than pursue coalitions such as the proposed one with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“The party did not survive by chasing coalitions but by attracting others to its vision,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about youth leadership, emphasising that leadership should be determined by “vision, integrity, and performance.”

Beyond ODM leadership, Owino disclosed plans to contest for the Nairobi County governorship and later the presidency, promising to uphold principles such as freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.