Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has openly defended Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, saying there is absolutely no reason why the outspoken legislator should be denied the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket if he wins in the party nominations.
Oburu, who is the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga, made the remarks while emphasizing the need for fairness and democracy within the party. He noted that ODM has always been a strong pillar of internal democracy, and every aspirant, regardless of their background or influence, deserves a fair chance at the ballot.
According to Oburu, political parties must respect the will of the people during nomination exercises. “I do not think there can be any reason to deny Babu Owino the ODM ticket if he wins the nominations,” he said. His statement appeared to be a subtle message to those who might attempt to sideline the youthful MP during the nomination process.
Babu Owino, known for his fiery speeches and loyalty to the ODM party, has been among the most vocal defenders of Raila Odinga’s political legacy. Over the years, he has consistently used his platform to champion issues affecting the youth, education, and governance. His growing popularity among young voters has made him one of the most influential figures in Nairobi politics.
Oburu’s statement also comes at a time when speculation is rife that some within the ODM hierarchy may prefer other candidates in Nairobi’s political contests ahead of the 2027 General Elections. However, his remarks serve as a reminder that the strength of a political party lies in its ability to conduct transparent and democratic primaries.
Many political observers view Oburu’s endorsement as both strategic and symbolic. As one of the senior-most members of the Odinga family, his opinion carries significant weight within ODM. His support for Babu could also be seen as an effort to bridge the generational gap between the party’s older leadership and its youthful members.
In recent months, Babu Owino has intensified his grassroots engagements, launching empowerment programs for youths and women, while also strengthening his political networks within the party. His efforts have positioned him as a key player in shaping the future of ODM, especially among young and urban voters.
Ultimately, Oburu’s message was clear — fairness must prevail. If Babu wins the nominations through a transparent process, he deserves to carry the ODM flag. Any attempt to deny him would not only undermine internal democracy but also risk alienating a critical segment of the party’s support base: the youth.
As ODM prepares for the post-Raila political era, the question of who represents the party’s future remains crucial. Voices like Oburu’s may signal that the party is ready to embrace new leadership and reward merit over favoritism.
