Babu Owino Slams ODM Leaders, Promises Street Protests if Cost of Living Rises
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino sparked major reactions during the ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa after openly criticising the party’s new leadership and at the same time attacking the Kenya Kwanza administration.
His remarks, delivered before an energetic crowd, added fresh tension to the already sensitive political environment within the party.
During the colourful event filled with music, speeches, and celebration, Babu Owino took the microphone and gave a fiery address.
He challenged the recent appointments made within ODM, especially the elevation of Oburu Odinga as the party leader, while emphasising that he himself had the ability and experience to take up top leadership roles.
The youthful MP expressed frustration, saying the current party hierarchy had sidelined him and denied him meaningful roles, even though he had always been a strong defender of the movement.
Babu joked that ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna had allowed him extra speaking time because senior party officials rarely offered him such a platform.
The crowd cheered loudly as he recalled how long he used to speak when Raila Odinga was still alive, noting that those were the days he could freely express himself without restrictions.
He urged supporters to remain courageous and united, saying they must rise against oppression and continue fighting for justice in honour of Raila Odinga, whom he described as a great leader.
In one of his strongest declarations of the day, the outspoken MP warned that he would lead more public demonstrations if the cost of living continues to rise.
He insisted that Kenyans were suffering, and if the situation worsened—whether through increased food prices or rising education costs—he would not hesitate to mobilise citizens to the streets. According to him, protesting is a legitimate way of defending the rights of ordinary people.
Babu Owino also questioned why the party did not consider him for any of the newly filled positions, particularly after confirming Oburu Odinga as the party leader.
He said that he believed he was fully capable of taking up such a role and asked the audience whether they thought he was unsuitable for any seat. His remarks highlighted a growing sense of dissatisfaction among some ODM members who feel overlooked in recent decisions.
Aside from Oburu’s appointment, ODM also approved several other leadership positions, including naming Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga as the Deputy Organising Secretary. However, the reshuffle exposed deeper cracks within the party.
Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late Raila Odinga, openly questioned those attempting to position themselves as the key figures managing ODM’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government.
She argued that such a responsibility belonged strictly to Raila Odinga, and any attempts to replace him should be decided by party delegates.
Winnie urged the ODM leadership to organise a broad delegates meeting where members could vote and decide the most suitable person to oversee engagements between ODM and the government.
According to her, only the people—not a small inner circle—should determine who occupies such an important political space.
Her remarks, combined with Babu Owino’s spirited criticisms, painted a picture of a party grappling with internal disagreements and uncertain direction.
The celebrations, meant to mark two decades of ODM’s presence in Kenyan politics, ended up revealing deep divisions and renewed debates about leadership, loyalty, and the future of the movement.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
