NAIROBI, Kenya- Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has called for a leadership review within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the party should convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to elect new leadership.
His comments came after a meeting with a section of party leaders in Nairobi, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Ruth Odinga, and MP Millie Odhiambo.
“It is time to take over the party,” the Nairobi Gubernatorial aspirant said after the meeting.
The call for a leadership review comes despite Oburu Odinga being confirmed as ODM Party Leader following the death of his brother, the late Raila Odinga, in October 2025.
Raila had been the party’s dominant figure for decades, and his passing created a leadership vacuum.
Oburu was appointed acting party leader, but tensions over the party’s long-term leadership continue.
Sit. Talk. Tumeanza. Governor Orengo, Hon Namoit, MP Turkana South, Senator Mumma, Asige, Hon Millie Odhiambo, Ruth Odinga, Babu Owino, Peter Imwatok, Hon Reuben Ndolo, Hon. Amos Wako, Edwin Ngonga, John Andiwo…
Critics have argued that his appointment without a broader consultative process contributed to internal disagreements.
Reports indicate that the Babu Owino faction is perceived to be aligned with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is supporting the potential presidential candidature of Dr Fred Matiang’i through his Jubilee party.
The former President has denied these allegations.
Owino’s demands follow statements by a section of Coast leaders, who indicated that they might chart a new political path if Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is not appointed ODM party leader.
Another source of tension within ODM relates to the party’s political positioning and relationship with the government.
ODM entered a broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto’s administration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
While some party leaders have described the cooperation as pragmatic, others, including Sifuna, have expressed concerns about the direction and implementation of the MoU.
Sifuna is against the Party endorsing President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections, while others like Ruth want a power-sharing deal inked now.
