Comedian and media personality Oga Obinna has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to hand over its future to Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, arguing that he is the only leader who carries the same favour and anointing that defined the late Raila Amolo Odinga.

In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, October 16, 2025, just hours after he attended Shalkido’s burial, Obinna emphasised that for ODM to remain relevant, the party must either hand Babu Owino the ticket to run for Nairobi governor in the 2027 elections or appoint him as the party’s Secretary General.

He insisted that these two steps would be vital in ensuring that Gen Z voters continue to identify with the ODM brand and the spirit of change it represents.

“What’s up, I am back, and I can see people are heading to Kasarani to view Raila’s body. As for us, we are coming back from Shalkido’s funeral. Thank you to everyone who showed up. Now, let me talk about ODM. The only thing that will save the party and help Gen Z identify with it is if the party does one of two things, or both,” he said.

He noted that among all current ODM leaders, Babu Owino stands out as the one who reflects the same passion, fearlessness, and favour that once surrounded Raila Odinga during his political peak.

He described Babu as a leader with both divine favour and a natural connection with the people, the same traits that made Raila a formidable and beloved figure in Kenyan politics.

“First, from today, ODM should declare that in the 2027 elections, it will only front one candidate for Nairobi governor, and that candidate should be none other than Babu Owino. Secondly, if they will not give Babu the governor’s ticket, they should make him the secretary general of the party. Without doing that, ODM will be in trouble,” Obinna added.

Obinna also remarked that the youth have increasingly aligned themselves with Babu Owino as the symbol of a generational shift, pointing out that while ODM has other reputable figures, none have captured the hearts of the youth in the same way.

He said that the party risks political stagnation if it ignores the rising influence of younger voices within its structures.

“You can already see the direction things are taking. When Gen Z look at ODM, they only see Babu. I am not downplaying the fact that ODM has a few reputable leaders, they are there, but the party must go with the person who has the favour and the anointing. That is why Baba Raila was so special. He had the favour and the anointing. And when you look at ODM today, the only person who has such favour is Babu,” Obinna said.

Acting party leader

The remarks come just hours after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the acting party leader.

The appointment was made during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, following the passing of Raila Odinga.

According to the NEC’s announcement, Oburu, Raila’s elder brother and a founding member of the party, will serve as acting leader until the party convenes to elect a substantive replacement.

“With this regard, the NEC has designated the Senator of Siaya County, Oburu Odinga, to be the acting party leader until the time the top party leaders meet and elect a substantive leader to fill the big shoes that have been left by our leader,” the party said.