Suna East Member of Parliament (MP) Junet Mohamed has dismissed speculation that his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino could take over as leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) through the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC).

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Junet acknowledged Babu Owino’s political ambitions, noting that while he may have a chance of becoming the Nairobi County governor, the ODM structures do not favor him in internal party elections.

“Babu Owino has a chance of becoming a governor, but he has no chance of winning the NDC. I understand the party’s structures, and they do not favor him,” Junet said.

He added that even if Owino were to pull off an unlikely victory at the NDC, he would legally assume the position of party leader, questioning why this should be seen as a problem.

“I don’t see him winning, but if he wins, he will be the party leader. What is the problem?” Junet asked, highlighting that the party’s processes are open and democratic.

Owino confident of winning ODM NDC

Babu Owino has since vowed to ride out his rough patch, assuring Kenyans and ODM supporters that he doesn’t have a reverse gear on his bid in the ODM party leadership.

Owino has said nothing he heard that would tempt him to abandon his mission despite a huge pushback from a section of leaders in the country’s most popular party.

Speaking during an interview on a local Radio station on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, he gave a resolute defence of his decision to capture ODM leadership, saying that he was ready to meet the challenge of winning in the presence of the ODM meeting at the NDC.

“I can only go one way, I do not have reverse gears, I know it is hard for people to keep faith, some people may have different takes on me, but have the same take on them, “Owino said.

The MP maintained that those rushing to oppose his bid should equally take time to understand why he took it.

Babu Owino calls for ODM NDC

The lawmaker has previously called for the ODM NDC so that he can take over the leadership of the party.

In a statement posted on his social media handles on Thursday, January 8, 2025, the outspoken lawmaker said that he wants the NDC, which is the highest decision-making party organ, to be convened so that he can take over the helm of the party.

The ODM party leadership is currently held by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who was installed following the passing of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.