"I Can Be Elected Without a Political Party" Things Turn Messy As Babu Owino Now Declares Publicly

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has declared that his personal brand is bigger than most political parties in Kenya, insisting that he does not need a party ticket to win an election.

Speaking on Friday, August 29, Owino said his popularity and influence stand on their own, adding that his name alone can attract votes. 

He argued that his identity as a politician is strong enough to operate independently of party structures.

Despite the bold claim, the legislator defended his loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He explained that members who voice their views within the party are not rebels but are exercising their democratic right to express themselves.

Owino noted that ODM leader Raila Odinga has encouraged internal debate, with the majority having their way and the minority having their say.

The MP further accused some ODM lawmakers of being the true rebels, pointing to the incident during a joint parliamentary group meeting with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) where a section of ODM legislators jeered at Raila. He questioned their loyalty, arguing that choosing to disrespect the party leader was the real act of rebellion.

Owino said he and other ODM members who skipped the joint meeting did so deliberately, as they were aware of plans to embarrass Raila and did not want to participate in the incident.

His remarks come at a time when ODM is battling internal tensions as it prepares for upcoming by-elections and broader realignments ahead of 2027.