The late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s close aide, Dennis Onyango, has revealed that the veteran opposition leader viewed Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as an impatient politician whose rapid rise threatened the party’s long-established political order.

Speaking during an interview with one of the local TV stations on the night of Sunday, June 7, 2026, Onyango claimed that Raila was uncomfortable with the speed at which Babu Owino was building his political influence within the party, fearing it could disrupt the carefully cultivated lineup of leaders within the ODM hierarchy.

“Raila thought Babu Owino was going to be trouble to his base. He thought the guy was impatient,” Onyango said.

According to Onyango, Raila believed ODM had a long political legacy stretching back to the days of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and several loyal leaders had spent years positioning themselves within the movement.

“You know, if you have a legacy or you have a lineup that runs from Jaramogi, there were so many people in the queue and people you had to deal with, and if you just want to come and jump them, then you are putting Raila in a very difficult situation,” he explained.

Onyango added that Raila did not appreciate the pace at which the youthful legislator was advancing politically.

“He didn’t very much appreciate the speed at which he was moving,” Onyango stated.

The remarks are likely to reignite debate about succession politics within ODM and the relationship between Raila and some of the younger politicians associated with the party.

Babu Owino’s push for ODM leadership

Babu Owino has, over the years, emerged as one of ODM’s most vocal and energetic leaders, particularly among the youth.

Following the death of Raila, Babu Owino publicly declared that he wanted to take over the leadership of the ODM party. He even came up with the famous slogan “Baada ya Baba, Babu” to advance his ambitions, arguing that he was the most qualified leader to succeed Raila.

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?”

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.”

Owino has since broken away from the ODM party and joined the now-famous Linda Mwananchi movement. The lawmaker, who is eyeing the Nairobi County gubernatorial seat in 2027, has also previously revealed that he will not contest using an ODM ticket.