Babu Owino slams ODM for sidelining Winnie Odinga
By Kiprono Keileb, January 25, 2026Embakassi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for what he described as sidelining key members, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s daughter Winnie Odinga.
Speaking in Kawangware, Dagoretti North, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Babu Owino questioned the party’s internal decisions and suggested that some family members of party founders were being overlooked.
Babu Owino highlighted the example of Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in questioning the party’s allocation of positions.
“Kuna mwingine aliamka juzi akasema baba alimtumia ndoto, kama baba hajamtumia mama Ida Odinga ndoto wewe ni nani akutumie ndoto?” he asked.
He said it was unfair that Winnie Odinga, despite being Raila Odinga’s child and part of a party her father built over 20 years, was not being given a role within ODM.
“Kama mtoto wa baba mwenyewe Winnie Odinga hawezi pewa kitu kwa chama ambayo Baba ndiye founding member, na ni chama ambayo ametengeneza kwa miaka 20, Winny hawezi pewa kitu na ni mtoto wa baba, wewe utapewa nini,” he stated.
Owino then alluded to strategic decisions for leadership and succession, using biblical analogies to illustrate the need for strong leadership.
Push for NDC
“Tuliambiwa tunaenda Singapore, Musa alituwacha tukienda canaan akasema anatuachia Joshua kwa bible. Do you want a weaker Joshua or a stronger Joshua? Do you want an older Joshua or a younger Joshua?” he asked the people.
He suggested that if he becomes ODM party leader, he will ensure that the ODM party will have a presidential candidate during theup coming general election.
“Tunaita NDC, kwa hio NDC Babu Owino akishapata party leader, mambo ya broadbased tutahama na lazima ODM itoe presidential candidate,” he said.
The legislator’s remarks come amid ongoing debates within ODM over party leadership, candidate nominations, and internal reforms.