Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has distanced himself from claims that he stage-managed a crowd to chant his name at the former Prime Minister’s home in Karen.

While addressing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Babu spoke with a heavy heart, dissociating himself from claims made by a section of ODM leaders that he wanted to showcase his political supremacy.

According to Babu, after leaving Raila’s home, after other top leaders had departed following their condolence visit to the family, supporters who had camped there began chanting his name. This, he said, was wrongly interpreted by some as an act he had orchestrated.

Also Watch: Babu Owino: Even if Sakaja is given ODM ticket, I’ll beat him in 2027.

He went ahead to distance himself from these claims, saying he could be the last person to stumble on Raila’s legacy or use such a sombre occasion to score political points.

“I want to disassociate myself because there’s something that happened at Mama Ida’s yesterday. I left that place after the president and other leaders had left. When people started chanting my name, honestly, before man and God, I can be the last person to destroy Baba’s legacy. I can’t do it,” Babu stated.

Babu, who is known for his tough talk, spoke very heavily at this point, almost breaking down as he was overwhelmed by emotion.

“A lot was said. A lot is being said. But between me and God, I know the love and the place that I have for Baba. Baba used to call me almost as a last resort, even at 4 a.m. But what do we do? We’ve reached rock bottom during elections,” he added.

Current situation at Kasarani

The body of Raila Odinga, who died in India, is now making its way to Kasarani Stadium, where public viewing will take place after last-minute changes.

Initially, the viewing was scheduled to take place in Parliament, but after the public overpowered security protocols and could not be contained, both at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and in Parliament, the venue was changed.

Mammoth crowds of Kenyans have already begun filling Kasarani Stadium, hoping to catch a glimpse of the body of the lifelong opposition leader who enjoyed massive support from across the nation.