Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, has publicly declared he does not intend to assume the position of Secretary General in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Instead, he aims for the party’s top leadership role.

Owino’s statement comes shortly after the ODM issued a notice for a Special National Delegates Conference scheduled for March 27, 2026. The conference was meant to deliberate on key party leadership appointments and structural changes.

According to the notice, the National Executive Committee (NEC) recommended Owino as a candidate for Secretary General. The NEC also proposed creating a new Deputy Party Leader position specifically for Hon. Winnie Odinga.

“The Secretary General remains Edwin Sifuna,” Owino clarified in his response, stressing his ambition to compete for the party leader’s position. His statement drew attention across Nairobi’s political circles.

The conference, to be held at a venue yet to be disclosed, will consider several other matters, including Owino’s endorsement and the readmission of Hon. Caleb Amisi as Deputy Organizing Secretary and NEC member.

ODM Party Leader Hon. Oburu Oginga emphasized the importance of adhering to the party constitution during the upcoming conference. He said the NEC had carefully reviewed proposals from the Nairobi branch and other stakeholders.

Political analysts say Owino’s decision signals a direct challenge to the current leadership while highlighting internal party dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections. Owino is positioning himself as a future leader within the party.

The creation of a Deputy Party Leader role for Winnie Odinga also indicates the party’s attempt to balance competing interests among influential members and regional representation within its hierarchy.

Party members and delegates now await the March 27 conference with interest, as key decisions could reshape ODM’s leadership landscape and influence the party’s strategy in upcoming elections.

Owino’s refusal to take the Secretary General position underscores his ambitions and could set the stage for a high-stakes contest with existing leadership, especially as internal alignments and loyalties are tested in the weeks ahead.

Observers note that the outcomes of the conference will have significant implications for ODM’s stability and unity, potentially impacting the broader political scene in Kenya as the country gears up for national elections.