Acting ODM party leader Oburu Oginga holds unity talks with MP Babu Owino

Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga on Thursday finally met and held talks with Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, after publicly disclosing that he was looking for him.

This comes as Dr. Oburu, who took over the leadership of the party following the passing of his brother Raila Odinga, moves to quell perceived divisions and tensions within the political outfit.

Taking to social media after the meeting, the new ODM chief praised the vocal lawmaker – who has his eyes set on the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 polls – for his “vibrant energy and determination.”

“This morning, I held an official meeting with Babu Owino. Our discussion centered on strengthening unity and inclusivity within the ODM party,” wrote Dr. Oburu.

“Babu Owino symbolizes the vibrant energy and determination of our youth. He has a promising future, and we are together.”

Babu Owino has in the recent past been perceived as a rebel, following his remarks that he was aware of a plot to deny him the ODM ticket in favour of another aspirant from a rival party in the race to City Hall in 2027.

Dr. Oburu, however, on Tuesday sought to dispel this claim and reassure the Embakasi East MP that his fears are unfounded.

Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV, Dr. Oburu said he does not see any problem with Babu’s ambition and dismissed talk that the party could deny him the ticket should he win the nominations.

“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are some issues that may be troubling him,” Dr. Oburu said.

“I do not know why he believes he cannot be given the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor. I do not think there can be any reason to deny him the ticket if he wins the nominations. If he wins, he will get it (the ticket), so let him not run away (from the party).”

He urged all aspirants to prepare for an open contest, adding that the nomination process will be fair and transparent.

“Anyone who wants the party ticket in the Nairobi Governor race should just declare and square it out openly among each other… let nobody run away because they think they will be denied a chance. Nobody can take the ticket away from you if you win it and you’re a member of the party,” he said.

Dr. Oburu revealed that he has been trying to reach out to Babu to personally reassure him of the party’s position.

“I have not found him (Babu Owino) yet but I’m looking for him… I have sent people to look for him… I know I will find him soon… so that we can have a conversation and I can tell him to keep calm and not worry,” he added.

In the same interview, Dr. Oburu also revealed that Raila’s replacement as the nexct perceived Luo kingpin will come from the younger generation of leaders, and not from the late former premier’s age group.

“There’s no forum where a Luo kingpin is elected. A kingpin will sprout out of nowhere like a mushroom; someone will just emerge and take Raila’s space, but not from his agemates like myself,” he said.

“There are young leaders cropping up and one of them will step up and take that place. But if we handpick somebody and the people do not accept him, then they will still not be kingpin.”