A significant political storm is brewing within Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a faction led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino openly challenges the leadership of the party's current chief, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. The conflict, centering on legitimacy and the party's future direction, threatens to split one of the country's largest political parties just months after Oburu assumed the mantle following the death of his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Challenge to the Throne
Babu Owino has publicly declared his intention to take over the ODM leadership, arguing that Oburu Odinga's ascension lacked proper procedure. Speaking on NTV on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Owino called for an immediate National Delegate Conference (NDC) to settle the leadership question.
"What we are asking is that an NDC meeting be called with immediate effect in ODM. There was no procedure whatsoever in getting the new leadership of ODM in place," Owino asserted. He positioned himself as the rightful successor, famously stating, "after Baba, it is Babu."
His push has garnered support from several senior party figures, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who held a strategic meeting on Thursday.
Vision for 2027 and Accusations of "Dealers"
Owino's ambition extends beyond the party chair. He vowed that under his leadership, ODM would produce a formidable presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto head-on in the 2027 general elections.
"If those people think that ODM cannot produce a presidential candidate, they are short-sighted; they are dealers and not leaders. We want to help Kenyans because they are suffering," Babu said, casting his rivals as opportunists rather than true leaders.
Oburu Digs In, Invokes Legacy and Age
On the opposing side, leaders backing Oburu Odinga have fiercely defended his position. They stress he is the suitable leader to steer the party and have condemned those opposing him.
Oburu himself has remained defiant. At a recent public event, he assured supporters of his vitality and commitment to protecting his late brother's legacy. In a bold statement, he dismissed any notions of his political demise.
"I'm not afraid to say that I will not allow myself to be shaken. I'm going to sit on the party leader seat of ODM squarely, and anybody who thinks that Oburu Odinga is about to die soon is seriously mistaken because I'm the same age as Trump of America," Oburu declared.
The Fundamental Split: Collaboration vs. Opposition
The leadership tussle is deeply intertwined with a sharp ideological divide within ODM regarding its relationship with President Ruto's administration.
Oburu Odinga has affirmed the party's commitment to a "broad-based arrangement" with President Ruto, a stance he claims aligns with the wishes of his late brother, Raila. This position is supported by figures like Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
However, Babu Owino's faction is fundamentally opposed to this collaboration. They represent a wing of the party seeking to reposition ODM as the primary opposition force, directly challenging Ruto's government ahead of 2027.
Constitutional Wrangling
Adding a layer of complexity, MP Junet Mohamed has cited the party constitution to argue against premature presidential campaigning. He stated that apart from the party leader, no one is allowed to position themselves as a presidential candidate, noting that members are still waiting for Oburu's decision on whether he will vie for the presidency.
Stakes for Kenya's Political Landscape
As the factions mobilize, the outcome of this internal struggle will have profound implications. It will determine not only who leads ODM but also whether the party continues as a governing coalition partner or reverts to its traditional role as the nation's central opposition bloc. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the battle for the soul of ODM is a critical prelude to Kenya's next major political contest.
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Politics