Sifuna jokes about being in hot water with his bosses after Babu Owino’s speech
By Luke Oluoch, November 15, 2025ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has humorously spoken of running into trouble with his bosses following Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s fiery speech in Mombasa during the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
The Embakasi East MP was a conspicuous figure on the second day of the party’s celebration in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Mama Ngina Waterfront.
He was later invited to the podium by Sifuna, who acknowledged that his absence during the Youth Conference Meeting a day before had elicited concerns from the youthful supporters.
Tight spot
However, after his brief address, where he openly challenged the current leadership, Sifuna was left to bemoan being put in a tight spot with his seniors in the party.
Babu also questioned his absence from the new list of officials entrusted with leadership positions.
“Babu, ulikuwa umeniahidi kwamba utaweka nidhamu, lakini umenichomea; siku ingine nitakuita kweli, unajua wadosi watakasirika,” he said as Babu finished his speech.
In his brief address, the lawmaker took on the new leadership for failing to include him in the leadership position.
He wondered why he was not considered for any leadership role, as he vouched for his capacity to lead the party post-Raila Odinga era.
“Yesterday I saw our leaders in ODM being given positions. Congratulations. But let me ask: Did you look at me and decide Babu Owino is not fit for leadership? Think about that. As a youth leader, I respect you, but in the future, Babu can lead the party,” he said.
In a pointed rebuke, Babu alluded that he was aware the party would not permit him the opportunity to address the party, asking that he be allowed a final opportunity by the SG to conclude his remarks.
“Just a moment. Hii ndio siku ya mwisho SG wangu. Ninajua hawa wados wangu hawatanikaribisha apa tena. Raila akiwa hai nilikuwa naongea kwa saa moja, lakini wengine hapa hawataki niongee na hata hawajawahi kishikwa na kanjo,” he added