Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has moved to reassure party members and supporters that the party’s nomination process for the Nairobi gubernatorial race will be transparent, credible, and fair to all aspirants. His remarks came as he addressed growing speculation that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino might face internal obstacles in his quest for the ODM Nairobi Governor ticket.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday night, Dr. Oginga who is also the elder brother to ODM leader Raila Odinga made it clear that no aspirant should feel sidelined or intimidated, emphasizing that anyone who wins the party’s nominations will automatically receive the ODM ticket.
“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are some issues that may be troubling him,” Dr. Oginga said. “If he wins the nominations, he will get the ticket. There is no reason for him to fear or run away from the party.”
Restoring Confidence in ODM’s Internal Democracy
Dr. Oginga’s comments come at a time when internal debates and political maneuvering have heightened within ODM ahead of the 2027 general elections. The reassurance is seen as a strategic effort to calm tensions among youthful party members who feel that the older guard has often dominated decision-making within the movement.
By publicly affirming that Babu Owino or any other candidate will be treated fairly, Dr. Oginga has helped restore faith in the party’s democratic processes, particularly among young leaders who view the nominations as a test of ODM’s commitment to generational inclusion.
The acting party leader reiterated that the nomination exercise will be free and transparent, urging all aspirants to face off openly rather than rely on backdoor deals or political patronage.
“Anyone who wants the party ticket in the Nairobi Governor race should just declare and square it out openly. Nobody can take the ticket away from you if you win it and you’re a loyal member of the party,” he said.
Reaching Out to Reassure Babu Owino
Dr. Oginga revealed that he had been trying to personally reach Babu Owino to reassure him of the party’s support and intentions. His move is interpreted as a peace-building effort aimed at preventing divisions within ODM, especially at a time when the youthful MP’s popularity in Nairobi continues to surge.
“I have not found him yet, but I am looking for him. I have sent people to reach out. I want him to stay calm and not worry,” Oginga added.
Babu Owino, known for his fiery political style and strong grassroots following, has recently been vocal about his desire to succeed Governor Johnson Sakaja in 2027. His remarks about possible bias in the party nominations had sparked debate within ODM circles, prompting Dr. Oginga’s reassurance.
Political analysts say Oginga’s gesture demonstrates ODM’s recognition of youthful leadership and its readiness to manage internal competition peacefully. It also signals an attempt to maintain party unity at a time when rival parties like UDA and Jubilee are aggressively courting Nairobi’s youthful electorate.
Defending Edwin Sifuna and Party Cohesion
In the same interview, Dr. Oginga also defended ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has recently faced criticism for allegedly “speaking with two voices” one as the party spokesperson and another as an individual leader. Oginga dismissed such concerns, describing Sifuna as a dedicated young leader whose occasional outbursts stem from passion rather than disloyalty.
“Sifuna is with us. As a young person, sometimes he can become restless and go a little overboard, but there’s nothing wrong with that. If he goes astray, we may just discipline him a little but within the party,” he said.
Observers view these remarks as an attempt to present ODM as a united, tolerant, and internally democratic party, capable of managing generational and ideological diversity without splintering.
Succession and the Luo Political Future
Dr. Oginga also waded into the sensitive question of who will succeed Raila Odinga as the next Luo political kingpin. He dismissed the idea of handpicking a successor, asserting that leadership in the community and by extension, in ODM will emerge naturally from popular support rather than appointment.
“There’s no forum where a Luo kingpin is elected. A kingpin will sprout out like a mushroom someone will just emerge and take Raila’s place,” he remarked. “It will not be one of his agemates like myself, but a younger leader who will earn the people’s trust.”
This statement has been interpreted as a veiled endorsement of young leaders like Babu Owino, who have shown political resilience, eloquence, and strong grassroots mobilization skills.
A Positive Signal for ODM’s Future
Dr. Oburu Oginga’s interview sends a clear message: ODM is preparing for a generational transition while maintaining its democratic values. His reassurance to Babu Owino and by extension to other young aspirants reflects a deliberate effort to unite the party’s old and new guard under one umbrella ahead of the next general election.
For ODM supporters, this could signal a renewed commitment to fairness, inclusion, and internal reform values that have long defined the party’s identity.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, all eyes will be on the ODM nomination process. If the party can walk the talk and ensure a truly transparent exercise, it will not only strengthen its position in Nairobi but also cement its image as Kenya’s most democratic political movement.
