In a dramatic twist that has stirred fresh political debate, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has issued a stern warning to his ODM colleague, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, likening his rising political ambitions to the ill-fated flight of Icarus from Greek mythology.
Kaluma’s remarks come at a time when Babu has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the ODM leadership and has been aligning himself with the youthful Kenya Moja political faction.
A fierce defender of Raila Odinga, Kaluma took direct aim at Babu’s gubernatorial ambitions.
“Babu, like Icarus, you’re flying too close to the sun! Retrace your steps back to Baba before it’s too late,” Kaluma cautioned, stressing that those opposed to him have consistently worked against his success.
“These are the same people who ran candidates against you and went to court to nullify your elections. They’ll never vote for you as Nairobi Governor,” he added.
The Icarus metaphor — of a young man who ignored warnings, soared too high on wax wings, and came crashing down — underscored Kaluma’s point: without Raila’s backing and the ODM umbrella, Babu risks a political freefall.
Kaluma’s rebuke follows Babu Owino’s own admission that clinching the ODM ticket for the Nairobi Governor race in 2027 is nearly impossible. He cited Raila’s public endorsement of current Governor Johnson Sakaja at a prayer meeting in Bomas of Kenya as a clear signal.
“I am sure I will not get the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor in 2027,” Babu said. “Raila endorsed Sakaja in Bomas, but I will continue respecting him as my political godfather, even though my plans are in God’s hands.”
Once viewed as one of Raila’s most loyal foot soldiers, Babu lamented feeling sidelined despite his sacrifices.
“Nobody has ever loved Raila like I did. I was among the first to be detained by the Ruto administration for three days because of my belief in him,” he recalled.
Rather than stepping back, Babu has been charting a new course. He has teamed up with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Sabaot MP Caleb Amisi, and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba under the youthful and outspoken “Kenya Moja Alliance,” a grouping that has been gaining traction among young voters.
Although he insists he still respects Raila, Babu has not abandoned his Nairobi Governor bid. The seat is currently held by Johnson Sakaja, who recently survived an impeachment motion after a handshake-style truce between President William Ruto and Raila forced MCAs to withdraw the case.
Kaluma’s warning now sets the stage for a potential political showdown. The big question is whether Babu will heed the call to “return to Baba” or continue charting his own high-risk path.
