Babu Owino Dominates Infotrak Poll as Preferred Luo Kingpin to Replace Raila Odinga

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has emerged as the clear frontrunner to succeed the late Raila Odinga as the political kingpin of the Luo community.

According to the latest Infotrak Research & Consulting poll released today, Sunday, December 28, 2025, Owino commands a commanding 33% support, leaving seasoned veterans and Odinga family members trailing by double digits.

The Numbers: A Generational Overthrow

The survey, conducted across all 47 counties on December 19 and 20, shows that while the “Odinga name” still carries weight, the youth-led “Babu Movement” has seized the momentum.

Succession Preference Standings:

Babu Owino: 33%
Oburu Odinga (Siaya Senator/ODM Leader): 10%
Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay Governor): 7%
James Orengo (Siaya Governor): 4%
Opiyo Wandayi (Energy CS): 2%
Raymond Omolo (Interior PS): 2%
Undecided: 37%

“The findings reflect a community at a crossroads. While Babu Owino has the energy and the ‘fire’ that mirrors a young Raila, the 37% undecided figure shows that over a third of the region is still grieving and waiting for a unifying signal,” says Dr. Victor Rateng, Infotrak’s lead researcher.

Why Babu? The “Firebrand” Factor

Political analysts suggest that Babu Owino’s rise is fueled by his consistent “anti-establishment” stance and his role as the unofficial leader of the opposition within the ODM party.

Following Raila’s death in October 2025, Owino has positioned himself as the only leader willing to take on the Kenya Kwanza administration directly, a vacuum left by more moderate leaders like James Orengo and Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Owino has successfully branded himself as the heir to Raila’s ‘enigma’ status, particularly among urban youth and the Nyanza grassroots. PHOTO/Kenya Times Graphic

“Family” Struggle

The poll is a major blow to Senator Oburu Oginga, who recently assumed the leadership of the ODM party. At only 10%, Oburu’s support suggests that the community is moving away from dynastic succession in favor of populist appeal. Even high-performing governors like Gladys Wanga (7%) struggle to break into the top tier, despite their developmental track records.

2027 Paradox

Despite his local dominance, Infotrak notes a “National Ceiling” for the Embakasi MP. While he is the king of Nyanza, only 7% of Kenyans nationwide say they would vote for him for President if elections were held today.

In contrast, the same poll shows President William Ruto leading the national popularity charts, with Fred Matiang’i emerging as his closest potential challenger for the 2027 race.