Babu Owino Moves to Take Over ODM as Power Struggles Rock the Party

Internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have intensified after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino openly declared his intention to take over the party’s leadership.

Speaking on Thursday, January 8, during an interview with NTV, Owino urged ODM members to immediately convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC), which he said would provide a lawful path to reorganise the party’s leadership.

According to the lawmaker, the leadership transition following the death of long-time party leader Raila Odinga did not follow proper procedures. He argued that this has left the party divided and weakened.

Owino said holding an NDC would not only correct leadership gaps but also help cool rising tensions that have rocked ODM since October last year.

His remarks came shortly after a high-level meeting attended by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, former Attorney General Amos Wako, and other senior party figures.

“We are calling for an NDC to be held as soon as possible. There was no clear process used to put the current leadership in place,” Owino stated.

He added that ODM needs renewal and fresh direction, insisting he is ready to take on the responsibility of leading the party.

Owino is part of an ODM faction that strongly opposes the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration. The collaboration, however, continues to receive strong backing from party leader Oburu Odinga and allies such as Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

Support for the NDC call has also come from several senior party members, including Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Ruth Odinga, who say ODM must reclaim its role as a strong opposition party.

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Owino maintained that ODM has the capacity to produce a presidential candidate capable of challenging President Ruto.

“Those who think ODM cannot produce a presidential candidate are mistaken. Kenyans are suffering, and the party must stand with them,” he said.

On the other hand, leaders aligned with Oburu Odinga have dismissed the push for leadership change, warning against actions they say could destabilise the party.

Junet Mohamed, speaking at a public event in late December, criticised politicians he accused of positioning themselves for the presidency too early, noting that ODM’s constitution does not allow such declarations outside the party’s official structures.

Oburu Odinga has defended his leadership, saying he still has the strength to guide the party and protect the legacy built by his late brother, Raila Odinga.

He further reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the broad-based political arrangement with President William Ruto, saying the move reflects the wishes of the former prime minister.

“I am not shaken. I will firmly remain in the ODM party leader seat,” Oburu said.