A side-by-side image of Acting ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Acting ODM leader assures fair nominations as he seeks to calm tensions within the party.
Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has moved to quell growing unease within the party following concerns by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that he could be denied the ODM ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Speaking on Ramogi TV on Tuesday night, Oburu said he sees no reason why Babu should fear being locked out of the race, insisting that the nomination process will be open, fair, and transparent.
“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are some issues that may be troubling him,” Oburu said. “I do not know why he believes he cannot be given the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor. I do not think there can be any reason to deny him the ticket if he wins the nominations. If he wins, he will get it, so let him not run away from the party.”
Oburu, who is the elder brother of ODM leader Raila Odinga, urged all aspirants to prepare for an open contest, adding that no one will be unfairly sidelined.
“Anyone who wants the party ticket in the Nairobi Governor race should just declare and square it out openly among each other. Let nobody run away because they think they will be denied a chance. Nobody can take the ticket away from you if you win it and you’re a member of the party,” he said.
Reaching Out to Babu Owino
The remarks come amid speculation that Babu, a vocal lawmaker known for his youth appeal and aggressive campaign style, has grown frustrated with ODM’s internal politics. Reports suggest he has been contemplating alternative political moves ahead of 2027.
Oburu disclosed that he has been trying to reach Babu personally to reassure him of the party’s commitment to fairness.
“I have not found him (Babu Owino) yet but I’m looking for him,” he said. “I have sent people to look for him… I know I will find him soon so that we can have a conversation and I can tell him to keep calm and not worry.”
Sifuna “Still With Us,” Says Oburu
Turning to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has been accused of speaking with “a double voice” — both as a party spokesperson and in his personal capacity — Oburu said there is no cause for alarm.
“Sifuna is the one who read out the resolutions of the party after our meeting on Monday. I have spoken to him, and he has no problem,” Oburu said.
He added that youthful exuberance should not be mistaken for defiance:
“As a young person, sometimes he can become restless and go a little overboard, but he is with us and he will stay with us. There’s nothing he has done to warrant us removing him from the party. If he goes astray, as our child, we may just discipline him a little but within the party.”
Oburu’s remarks appear aimed at cooling the political temperature within ODM, which has recently faced factional tensions over leadership direction and succession politics following Raila Odinga’s expected exit from active politics.
Luo Succession Debate
On the sensitive question of who should succeed Raila as the next Luo political kingpin, Oburu dismissed any notion that such leadership can be “appointed” or “anointed.”
“There’s no forum where a Luo kingpin is elected,” he said. “A kingpin will sprout out of nowhere like a mushroom; someone will just emerge and take Raila’s space, but not from his agemates like myself.”
He added that the next generation of leaders will naturally rise to fill the vacuum when Raila eventually steps back.
“There are young leaders cropping up, and one of them will step up and take that place. But if we handpick somebody and the people do not accept him, then he will still not be kingpin.”
Party Unity on the Line
Oburu’s comments come at a time when ODM faces mounting internal friction as it seeks to reorganize ahead of the 2027 general election. Analysts say his intervention is meant to project stability and prevent potential defections among youthful members who feel sidelined in decision-making.
By appealing directly to Babu and defending Sifuna, Oburu is positioning himself as a bridge between the old guard and emerging generation within ODM — a critical balancing act as the party navigates the post-Raila era.
Whether Babu Owino heeds the olive branch remains to be seen, but Oburu’s message was clear: ODM intends to keep its house united as the 2027 political season approaches.
