- Babu Owino met ODM acting leader Oburu Oginga at the Orange House, a few days after Oburu was publicly assured of his political future
- The two held a private meeting that attracted attention from all ranks of ODM amid tension over Babu’s bid for the Nairobi governor seat
- Oburu had earlier dismissed fears of favoritism, promising Babu a fair selection if he wins through due process
- The senator said he has been seeking a personal audience with Babu to ease his concerns about being isolated within the party
Member of Parliament for Embakasi East Grandfather Owino he has met with the acting leader of the ODM party Oburu Oginga at the headquarters of the party in the Orange House.
Source: UGC
The meeting comes just a few days after Oburu publicly assured the young MP that he would receive an ODM ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race if he wins the party’s nomination.
Did Babu Owino meet Oburu?
Photos shared from the meeting showed the two lawmakers in a lively mood, exchanging pleasantries before engaging in what appeared to be a lengthy private discussion inside Oburu’s office.
The meeting is expected to attract a lot of attention within ODM circles, amid uncertainty about Babu’s political future following the death of the former prime minister. Raila Odingawho for a long time was the leader of the party and a symbol of unity.
Babu, who has declared his interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, has in recent weeks been faced with speculation about whether he would get a good place in the ODM selection process.
His meeting with Oburu is seen as an important step to allay those concerns and reaffirm his position within the party structure.
How did Oburu reassure Babu?
During a televised interview on Ramogi TV earlier this week, Oburu denied claims that Babu was in danger of being excluded from the selection, insisting that the process would be transparent.
The Siaya senator said that ODM will not deny any candidate a ticket if they win fairly.
“I don’t see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are issues that may bother him. I don’t think there can be any reason to deny him the ticket if he wins the nomination. If he wins, he will win, so he should not run,” Oburu said during an interview.
The veteran politician urged all candidates to prepare for an open contest, saying the party’s leadership is committed to maintaining honesty in the selection exercise.
Oburu disclosed during the interview that he was trying to contact Babu to personally deliver the party’s assurance.
“I haven’t found him yet but I’m looking for him. I’ve sent people to find him. I know I’ll find him soon so we can talk and I can tell him to calm down and not worry,” he said.
What did Kenyans say about the meeting between Babu and Oburu?
Kenyans on social media expressed different opinions about the meeting between the two MPs.
Source: Facebook
Some Kenyans welcomed the meeting as an important consolidation within ODM, noting that it could bring stability to the leadership after Raila’s death.
Others remained skeptical, saying that guarantees alone do not ensure fairness in the selection process, especially in a party undergoing transition.
Danish Otieno:
“The youth leader is a very wise person, he doesn’t just talk or rush to make decisions. Make our Grandfather the Chief.”
Kenneth Ogutu:
“A good step, from the elders we get wisdom and from the youth we get strength. Oburu has started with the voice of reconciliation.”
Aloys Otieno:
“Oburu was the source of Raila’s wisdom for your information.”
Second Hand Camera:
“Oburu was father’s advisor, meaning he is a wise man.”
Toby Ka’Shem:
“This Oburu has a bucket full of wisdom.”
Why did ODM choose Oburu as acting party leader?
As previously reported, ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) appointed Oburu as acting party leader following the death of his brother, Raila.
The move was intended to ensure continuity and prevent a leadership gap during a sensitive transition.
Party officials said Oburu’s long service in ODM and his close relationship with Raila made him a unifying figure at a time of uncertainty.
The NEC explained that his role is temporary until the party’s parliament elects a senior leader.
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