Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has dismissed the possibility of the national executive committee selecting a party leader, which could spark more controversy within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party amid leadership turmoil.

In a statement on his social platforms on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the vocal lawmaker has disputed the possibility of the NEC electing a party leader, stating that it is not within the confines of the ODM constitution.

Babu has further explained that, according to the party’s constitution, all national officials can only be elected by the national delegates’ conference, apart from the secretaries for parliamentary affairs in the national assembly and the senate, and the executive director.

“According to the ODM Constitution, all national officials are elected by the NDC except for secretaries for parliamentary affairs (Senate and NA) and the Executive Director. NEC only has the power to appoint the Executive Director, who is an ex-official party official,” Babu said.

“NEC, however, can replace a vacancy amongst its membership if the vacancy arises during the course of its term but before the next NDC until the vacancy is substantially filled at the next NDC.

“The replacement of a party leader can only be done at the NDC, and those wishing to be nominated as party leaders must first apply to the National Elections Board in the prescribed form. NEC cannot elect a party leader.”

Interest in party leadership

Babu, who is eyeing the party leadership position, has alluded to the fact that some party officials have been trying to manipulate the list of delegates to prevent young leadership from claiming the party leadership.

Babu, who has lately embraced a slogan ‘baada ya Baba ni Babu’, has said he could consider holding a parallel national delegates conference if the actual delegates of the ODM party are blocked from attending.

While ODM is in preparations of holding a National Delegates Conference, Babu has insisted on holding a parallel NDC, further widening the rift being witnessed within the party. His move could lead to a split in the ODM party.

ODM’s division

The ODM party is currently divided, with one faction supporting the late Raila’s brother, Oburu Odinga, as the rightful successor, while the other faction, that includes Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, is pushing for new leadership.