ODM City Woes Deepen as Babu Owino Gains Ground in Nairobi politics, with fresh public endorsements exposing deepening cracks inside the Orange Democratic Movement. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, long a vocal critic of the party’s current direction, is attracting open support from fellow legislators who share his discomfort with the leadership’s stance.
Over the weekend, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ and Awendo MP Walter Owino declared their backing for Babu, who has fallen out with the ODM hierarchy. The statements have sharpened the sense of crisis in the capital, where ODM’s traditional strength is now under pressure from internal dissent.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino continues to consolidate support amid growing divisions within ODM in Nairobi.
Growing List of Backers
The public declarations by Kajwang’ and Walter Owino mark a significant escalation. Both lawmakers have signalled that Babu represents a more assertive, youth-oriented voice that many in the party feel has been sidelined. Their support adds to earlier alignment with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the broader Linda Mwananchi formation.
Babu Owino has repeatedly called for a National Delegates Convention to overhaul the party leadership, arguing that ODM needs generational renewal following the death of founder Raila Odinga. He has positioned himself as a possible successor and has not ruled out forming a new vehicle if the party remains closed to change.
- Calls for National Delegates Convention to open leadership contests
- Public criticism of the party’s cooperation with the broad-based government
- Growing alignment with the Linda Mwananchi movement
- Signals of possible exit and launch of a new national party
ODM’s national leadership is under pressure as city-based legislators rally behind Babu Owino.
Why Nairobi Matters
Nairobi has long been a critical battleground for ODM. The party’s ability to mobilise urban voters, especially the youth, has been central to its national relevance. Babu Owino’s strong base in Embakasi East and his popularity among younger voters give him leverage that party leaders cannot easily ignore.
His consistent messaging on jobs, cost of living and accountability resonates in the city. At the same time, the party’s decision to work within the broad-based government has created an identity crisis for members who prefer a clearer opposition role. This tension is now playing out most visibly in Nairobi.
Nairobi remains the focal point of ODM’s internal struggle as Babu Owino consolidates support.
The Bigger Picture for ODM
Since Raila Odinga’s death, ODM has faced both organisational and ideological challenges. One faction, associated with Party Leader Oburu Odinga and several Nyanza leaders, has favoured engagement with President William Ruto’s administration. The opposing group, linked to Sifuna, Babu Owino and others, argues the party should exit the arrangement and prepare to challenge the government in 2027.
Babu has framed the contest as a struggle over the party’s soul and the need to protect Raila’s legacy through bold, youthful leadership. His growing list of public backers suggests the city wing of the party is increasingly unwilling to remain silent.
Did You Know that recent by-election results in traditional ODM strongholds still showed strong party loyalty, yet the urban rebellion continues to gather momentum? The contradiction highlights the complex dynamics the party must manage.
What Happens Next
The coming weeks will test whether the ODM leadership can contain the rebellion or whether more city legislators will publicly align with Babu Owino. Talk of a new party and Babu’s declared interest in the Nairobi governorship add further uncertainty.
For now, the message from his growing list of supporters is clear: the status quo is under pressure and the party’s city base is restless. ODM City Woes Deepen as Babu Owino Gains Ground, and the outcome will shape both the party’s internal future and its role in the 2027 contest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are ODM’s city woes deepening?
Internal divisions over the party’s relationship with the broad-based government and demands for leadership renewal have intensified, with Babu Owino emerging as a focal point for dissent in Nairobi.
Who has recently backed Babu Owino?
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ and Awendo MP Walter Owino publicly declared support for Babu Owino over the weekend, joining others already aligned with his position.
What is Babu Owino demanding?
He has called for a National Delegates Convention to open leadership contests and has criticised the party’s current direction, arguing for generational change.
Is Babu Owino planning to leave ODM?
He has signalled the possibility of exiting and launching a new national party if the leadership remains closed to reform, while also eyeing the Nairobi governorship.
What is the Linda Mwananchi movement?
It is a formation associated with Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna and other leaders who favour a more independent opposition stance and have organised outside formal ODM structures.
How does this affect ODM’s 2027 plans?
The growing rebellion in the city complicates the party’s ability to present a united front and raises questions about its strategy and candidate selection for the next general election.
