Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has explained his absence from the recent joint Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking on Thursday, September 4, 2025, during an interview with a local TV station, the Orange party lawmaker said he was never consulted about the agreement that led to the meeting.

The youthful lawmaker further dismissed suggestions that he deliberately snubbed the session, insisting that he could not attend a gathering based on a deal he had no hand in shaping.

“I was not at the parliamentary group meeting between UDA and ODM because when they were signing the agreement, I was not consulted, so I saw no need. I also had other important things to attend to,” Babu Owino said.

ODM endorsement

Babu Owino’s remarks come moments after he acknowledged that he will not be getting an endorsement from his ODM Party to vie for Nairobi governor in 2027.

Speaking during a breakfast show at Kameme TV on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Owino stated that the body language of ODM Party leader Raila Odinga reveals that he has a preferred candidate for the position other than himself.

“I am sure I will not get the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor in 2027. Sakaja was endorsed by Raila in Bomas during the AUC prayer meeting,” Owino remarked.

“I am sure that I will never be given an ODM ticket, but I will respect Raila as my political godfather even though all my plans are in God’s hands,” he added.

Owino equally indicated that despite being a loyal member of the party, he has been increasingly sidelined from the affairs of the party, and that it was evident that his presence was no longer valued.

UDA-ODM PG

President William Ruto’s ruling coalition, Kenya Kwanza, outlined six facets jointly agreed upon following the joint PG meeting convened in Nairobi on Monday, August 18, 2025.

In a joint statement outlining the resolutions following the meeting with the ODM, the two partners in the broad-based arrangement agreed to put aside partisan divisions and work together to advance the national interest above partisan political expediency.