Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has responded after Dennis Onyango, a close aide of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, made remarks suggesting that Raila Odinga was uneasy about his rapid rise within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and did not fully trust his political pace.

Onyango, in a televised interview on the night of Sunday, June 7, 2026, claimed that Raila viewed Babu Owino as an impatient politician whose swift ascent could disrupt the party’s long-standing political structure and succession line.

In his response, Babu Owino dismissed the characterisation, describing the claims as unfair.

The youthful lawmaker, who has been yearning to take over the leadership of the ODM party since the exit of Raila, also indicated that he will one day reach the top, no matter what it takes.

“I think this is unfair, but we will be there no matter what,” Babu said in a statement shared via his official Facebook account on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Onyango’s remarks against Babu Owino

Onyango had revealed that Raila viewed Babu Owino as an impatient politician whose rapid rise threatened the party’s long-established political order.

He 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.

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 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.