Babu Owino Speaks on Rejoining ODM, Sets Condition for His Return

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has revealed the conditions under which he would consider returning to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he would only rejoin the party if offered the position of party leader.

Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Friday, November 13, the Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant responded to reports that some ODM members had been calling for his return following his departure from the party.

Babu said he still respected ODM, recalling his time in the party and his association with its late leader, Raila Odinga, whom he described as the last party leader he served under.

He, however, made it clear that returning to the party would depend on being entrusted with its top leadership position.

“ODM wakinipatie basi party leader. Wanilete nichukue party leader, nikishakuwa party leader, then tunaweza kuona tunatengeneza mambo opposition huku,” he said.

The MP suggested that taking charge of ODM would give him an opportunity to help reorganise the opposition and shape its political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Despite leaving the party, Babu maintained that he had not abandoned his political ambitions and was instead pursuing them through The Mwananchi Party, which he recently formed.

He disclosed that the party would hold a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to formally install him as its leader, paving the way for him to advance his political agenda under the new outfit.

The legislator also questioned the direction of ODM under its current leadership, although he distinguished his criticism from his relationship with Oburu Oginga, whom he described as a father figure.

Several ODM leaders have recently appealed to Babu to reconsider his departure, arguing that the party will offer him a stronger platform to pursue his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

On September 16, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed publicly urged the Embakasi East MP to return to ODM, promising that the party will support his political ambitions, including his bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.

“My brother Babu Owino, please come back home and return to ODM. We will build the Orange party together,” Junet said during a rally in Migori County.

A week later, on September 23, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma also called on Babu to rejoin the party, arguing that he would have a stronger chance of winning the Nairobi governorship under the ODM ticket. Kaluma questioned whether other opposition figures would support Babu’s gubernatorial ambitions.

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