- ODM party leader, Oburu Oginga, has publicly assured Babu Owino that he will receive the ODM ticket for the governorship race in Nairobi if he wins the party’s nomination
- Speaking on Ramogi TV, Oburu spoke of Babu’s growing fear that ODM may exclude him in 2027, saying the party remains open and fair to all members.
- He also hinted at plans to meet Babu in person to calm him down and keep him in ODM
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has tried to clarify the situation due to the concerns expressed by the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East Grandfather Owino.
Source: Facebook
Babu has been talking about his uncertainty about the party’s support for his Nairobi 2027 gubernatorial bid.
In a candid interview on Ramogi TV, the acting leader of the ODM party, Oburu Oginga, said there was no reason for Babu to feel uncertain about the ticket, assuring him that if he wins the nomination, the party will fully support him.
Will ODM give Babu Owino a ticket to contest for the governorship of Nairobi in 2027?
“I don’t see any problem with Babu. I hear there are things that are bothering him, that he thinks ODM can deny him the ticket to run for Nairobi governorship. I don’t know why he feels that way. There is no reason not to get the ticket if he wins the nomination,” Oburu said.
Babu has in recent months expressed doubts about ODM’s commitment to its political future, citing what he saw as mixed signals from the party’s leadership.
His concern started in February, when Raila Odinga, the late ODM leader, appeared to be giving his easy support to the incumbent Governor. Johnsoncalling him a “visionary boy”.
Since then, Babu has repeatedly said he is afraid ODM may disappoint him despite his loyalty and his great role in defending the interests of the party.
However, Oburu, who is also the Siaya County Senator, dismissed those fears, saying ODM remains a democratic party that values internal competition.
He urged Babu to remain calm and not be swayed by rumors or external pressure.
“He should not run. We even want the seat of the governor of Nairobi to be contested openly. He should not be afraid because we cannot deny him a ticket even though he is our son and a long-time member of ODM,” Oburu said.
Why is Oburu Oginga looking for Grandpa Owino?
He added that the party welcomes strong candidates and will not force anyone on the voters of Nairobi, stressing that whoever wins the primaries will have the full support of ODM.
“ODM is open to all its members. We want trustworthy, strong, and visionary leaders to move forward. Babu is one of them, and if he proves himself in the selection, the party will stand with him,” he added.
Oburu also disclosed that he is making efforts to contact Babu personally to address his concerns and strengthen the unity of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I know I will find him. I have already sent a message with the delegates to arrange a meeting. I will talk to him and tell him to rest. There is no need to be afraid; everything is still fine,” Oburu said.
His assurance comes at a time when ODM is changing its leadership structure following the death of Raila Odingawith several younger members expressing interest in taking on greater roles within the party.
Source: Facebook
Can Babu win the Nairobi gubernatorial seat without ODM or DCP?
In a related incident, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi said Babu could only have a real chance of becoming the governor of Nairobi in 2027 if he ran under the ODM or Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.
He noted that political dynamics in the capital are largely driven by party loyalty rather than individual popularity.
Amisi explained that Nairobi voters tend to vote based on political preferences, making it difficult for candidates running for unknown parties to succeed.
He said this trend has been evident in past elections, where even the most popular politicians lost because of their choice of party.
The MP further noted that Babu’s political strength lies in his relationship with ODM and his supporters, saying that any move away from the party could weaken his position against the incumbent Sakaja in the 2027 race.
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