Speaking during a radio interview on Tuesday, January 20, Babu accused senior party officials of plotting to interfere with the delegates’ list in order to block younger leaders from ascending to top positions within the party.
The ODM legislator warned that failure to address the concerns could fracture the party at a critical moment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Babu, there are alleged plans by some party insiders to ferry non-delegates from regions perceived to favour certain leaders, including parts of the Rift Valley and North Eastern Kenya, to influence decisions at the NDC.
According to Babu, there are alleged plans by some party insiders to ferry non-delegates from regions perceived to favour certain leaders, including parts of the Rift Valley and North Eastern Kenya, to influence decisions at the NDC.
“I have heard reports that when the NDC is called, there are plans to bring people from favourable regions who are not legitimate delegates,” Babu said.
“We will scrutinise the delegates’ list one by one to ensure that only genuine delegates attend.”
Threat to Call Parallel Conference
The MP warned that if the official party processes proceed without transparency, he and like-minded members would organise an alternative NDC to reflect the will of the grassroots.
“If they call their NDC and it is compromised, we will also call ours,” Babu stated.
“That conference will elect leaders who truly represent the party members.”
Babu openly reiterated his ambition to take over ODM’s top leadership position, insisting that the party must embrace generational change rather than cling to the old guard.
“We demand that ODM calls the NDC, and that Babu Owino be given the party leader position unopposed,” he said, a declaration that has further stirred debate within the party.
Youth Leadership vs Old Guard
Babu argued that young leaders within ODM have legitimate political ambitions and should not be sidelined by senior figures seeking to protect their own interests.
Babu openly reiterated his ambition to take over ODM’s top leadership position, insisting that the party must embrace generational change rather than cling to the old guard.
“We demand that ODM calls the NDC, and that Babu Owino be given the party leader position unopposed,” he said, a declaration that has further stirred debate within the party.
Youth Leadership vs Old Guard
Babu argued that young leaders within ODM have legitimate political ambitions and should not be sidelined by senior figures seeking to protect their own interests.
He accused some officials of prioritising personal gain over the party’s broader vision, warning against what he described as attempts to “auction” the party.
He dismissed claims that his leadership ambitions only emerged following the death of ODM founder Raila Odinga, noting that his intentions were declared long before.
“I revealed my intention to become ODM leader even when Raila was still alive,” Babu said.
He dismissed claims that his leadership ambitions only emerged following the death of ODM founder Raila Odinga, noting that his intentions were declared long before.
“I revealed my intention to become ODM leader even when Raila was still alive,” Babu said.
“We used to say, ‘Baada ya Baba ni Babu,’ and that position has not changed.”
Raila’s Legacy and New Generation
While maintaining a combative tone, Babu insisted that he respected senior party leaders, including current party leader Oburu Odinga.
Raila’s Legacy and New Generation
While maintaining a combative tone, Babu insisted that he respected senior party leaders, including current party leader Oburu Odinga.
However, he cautioned against dismissing the aspirations of younger members based on age.
“Our elders must understand that young people also have ambitions,” he said. “Should someone wait until they are 70, 80 or 90 years old to become a party leader?”
Babu further claimed that the ideological legacy of Raila Odinga continues through a new generation of leaders within ODM.
“The spirit of Raila Odinga lives in Babu Owino and other like-minded leaders, like Winnie Odinga and Sifuna,” he said, referring to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has recently faced resistance within the party.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as the marginalisation of Raila Odinga’s family, referencing recent complaints by Winnie Odinga.
“Our elders must understand that young people also have ambitions,” he said. “Should someone wait until they are 70, 80 or 90 years old to become a party leader?”
Babu further claimed that the ideological legacy of Raila Odinga continues through a new generation of leaders within ODM.
“The spirit of Raila Odinga lives in Babu Owino and other like-minded leaders, like Winnie Odinga and Sifuna,” he said, referring to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has recently faced resistance within the party.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as the marginalisation of Raila Odinga’s family, referencing recent complaints by Winnie Odinga.
According to Babu, threatening or sidelining the family in party leadership disputes is disrespectful to the late opposition leader’s legacy.
Oburu Responds
The remarks have heightened leadership tensions within ODM, with some younger members questioning the criteria used to elect party leaders and the legitimacy of the current leadership structure.
In response to the threats, Oburu Odinga has previously stated that he is unfazed by calls for a parallel NDC, noting that he will soon convene the official conference and face critics head-on.
Oburu Responds
The remarks have heightened leadership tensions within ODM, with some younger members questioning the criteria used to elect party leaders and the legitimacy of the current leadership structure.
In response to the threats, Oburu Odinga has previously stated that he is unfazed by calls for a parallel NDC, noting that he will soon convene the official conference and face critics head-on.
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