Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has vowed to weather political turbulence, assuring Kenyans and ODM supporters that he has no reverse gear in his bid to capture the party’s leadership.
Owino said nothing he has heard so far would make him abandon his mission, insisting he is ready to face the challenge before ODM delegates at the National Delegates Conference (NDC).
“I can only go one way. I do not have reverse gears. I know it is hard for people to keep faith. Some people may have different takes on me, but I also have different takes on them,” Owino said.
Owino has joined a group of youthful leaders in ODM that comprises Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Winnie Odinga, deputy party leader and Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi to demand for generational change as well as oppose the push by old guards led by party leader Dr Oburu Oginga to enter into a 2027 alliance with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking on a vernacular FM station, the legislator said those rushing to oppose his bid should first understand why he decided to seek ODM leadership.
Banking on opinion polls, Owino claimed the political “system” points to him as the better option to lead the party.
“Infotrack polls that former Premier Raila Odinga relied on during presidential campaigns have placed me at 33 per cent. Senator Oburu Odinga comes second at 10 per cent, while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is third at five per cent,” Owino said.
He added that Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Treasury CS John Mbadi and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi each scored about two per cent.
“The sampled Kenyans made it clear who they want to lead ODM, and the results at the NDC will shock those already in power,” he said.
Owino ruled out Oburu’s suitability for party leadership, citing a biblical analogy in which Moses handed over leadership to Joshua rather than to his elder brother Aaron.
“Moses could have picked his age-mate or elder, but he chose the visionary and energetic Joshua,” he said.
He lamented that ODM’s current leadership does not recognise the youth or listen to their voices, a trend he warned is slowly destroying the party.
Owino also claimed that some leaders who were expected to support the youth have instead turned against them, saying internal wrangles threaten party unity.
According to him, his vision for ODM is to capture Kenya’s top seat and strengthen the party through a “gather all and scatter none” strategy.
The legislator further revealed that his 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial bid would be a stepping stone towards a 2032 presidential run.
“In 2027 I am eyeing the Nairobi governor’s seat in preparation for the presidency in 2032,” he said.
Owino dismissed claims that he is anyone’s political project, insisting he is an independent leader fighting for the interests of Kenyans.
“I am not anybody’s project. I am my own man, made by the Kenyans who stand with me,” he said.
He recalled that in 2017 he was allegedly approached and promised a ministerial position to abandon Raila Odinga but declined.
“I was promised a Cabinet post and even offered a bribe to ditch Raila, but I refused and chose loyalty,” Owino said.
He added that his decisions earned him political hardships, including arrests and the nullification of a seat he had won, noting that few colleagues stood with him during those moments.
Owino said he has remained a loyal ODM soldier, having campaigned extensively for Raila during the BBI process and presidential campaigns across most constituencies.
He accused party elites of branding dissenting voices as moles instead of resolving internal disputes.
“Greed has engulfed the party and is slowly destroying it,” he said.
Responding to criticism about his age, Owino said he is mature enough, has a family and advanced education, and sees no obstacle to pursuing leadership.
He also vowed to work even with perceived ODM enemies, saying unity is key to national stability.
“As a product of Raila’s political school, I will work with everyone for peace. Even regions seen as hostile once gave Raila over a million votes because he wooed them,” Owino said.
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