Fresh cracks have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino openly challenges party leader Oburu Oginga, calling for an urgent overhaul of the party’s leadership.
The standoff has split ODM into two rival camps leaders backing continued cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, and those opposing the arrangement and pushing for a return to aggressive opposition politics.
Speaking on Thursday, January 8, Babu Owino demanded the immediate convening of a National Delegates Conference (NDC), arguing that the current leadership was installed without proper procedure following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The outspoken MP said the NDC would restore internal democracy and stabilise the party, insisting he is best placed to steer ODM forward. His push has found support from a section of party leaders, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.
Babu, who opposes ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration, said the party must field its own presidential candidate in 2027, dismissing claims that ODM lacks viable leadership.
However, leaders allied to Oburu Oginga, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, have strongly defended the current leadership, warning against personal ambition undermining party unity.
Oburu has remained defiant, vowing to protect ODM’s legacy and maintain its broad-based political strategy, saying he is firmly in control of the party and unwilling to cede ground to internal pressure.
 as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino openly challenges party leader Oburu Oginga, calling for an urgent overhaul of the party’s leadership.){kind=link}