Tough Choices for Babu Owino as Oburu Odinga Forces His Next Political Move

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stands at a decisive juncture in his political career.

Once branded a fierce rebel within the ODM party, Babu now faces a critical test of strategy whether to form his own political party or take heed on the current ODM leadership demands.

 Dr. Oburu Odinga’s public call for reconciliation or risk political isolation as the 2027 elections draw closer.

According to political analyst Lee Makwiny, rejecting Oburu’s overture could irreparably damage Babu’s gubernatorial dream and derail his broader national ambitions.

Babu’s fallout with the party leadership stemmed from three major grievances.

 First, ODM’s 2022 endorsement of Johnson Sakaja for the Nairobi governor race crushed Babu’s ambitions despite his strong grassroots support.

Oburu Oginga Clarifies ODM's Stand on Giving Babu Owino Ticket for 2027  Nairobi Governor Race

Second, the Gen Z-led rejection of the government’s broad-based policies alienated ODM’s youthful supporters, an audience Babu had long championed.

Third, what he viewed as sabotage by Raila Odinga loyalists in the Luo Nyanza succession politics deepened his sense of marginalization.

However, Oburu Odinga’s recent moves have systematically dismantled these complaints.

In a series of interviews, the new ODM chair assured that Babu would enjoy a fair and transparent nomination process.

 Emphasizing that popularity, not patronage, would determine the Nairobi ticket.

Oburu also distanced ODM from automatic cooperation with Kenya Kwanza, signaling a more independent approach for 2027.

Perhaps most notably, he has endorsed youth-led leadership in Nyanza.

potentially positioning Babu as a viable contender against figures like Gladys Wanga and Raymond Omollo.

Without ODM’s formidable machinery, Babu’s path to power appears uncertain.

Nairobi’s political terrain, crowded with figures like Rigathi Gachagua, Sakaja, and potential UDA and Wiper candidates, leaves little room for lone ventures.

Oburu’s inclusivity strategy has left rebels without justification to defect.

For Babu, political maturity now demands reconciliation and visible loyalty beginning with ODM’s upcoming by-elections.

The chessboard has shifted, and his next move will define his destiny.