Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has fiercely asserted his claim to the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), directly challenging Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and demanding an urgent generational transition.

The corridors of Kenyan politics are vibrating with the tremors of an impending seismic shift within the Orange Democratic Movement. Babu Owino, the fiery and unapologetic Embakasi East legislator, has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring himself the rightful heir to Raila Odinga's political empire.

This bold declaration is not merely a display of political bravado; it represents a deepening ideological and generational schism within the party. As ODM navigates the complexities of its evolving relationship with President William Ruto's administration, Owino's push for control threatens to upend the established hierarchy and redefine the opposition's strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Battle for the Soul of ODM

Following Raila Odinga's strategic pivot toward the African Union Commission chairmanship, a power vacuum has emerged at the helm of ODM. Senator Oburu Oginga, Odinga's elder brother, has positioned himself as the custodian of the party's legacy. However, Owino vehemently contests this succession plan, arguing that it stifles the party's vibrancy and alienates its youthful support base.

"Oburu should leave the party to young people like Babu Owino and him to be the trustee," Owino stated unequivocally. "I over-qualify to be a party leader." This sentiment echoes a growing frustration among young politicians who feel sidelined by the old guard. Owino claims that his ability to mobilize massive crowds without prior notice—evidenced by his recent "Linda Mwananchi" rallies—proves his unmatched political capital.

Generational Transition or Political Rebellion?

The friction within ODM is indicative of a broader crisis facing legacy political parties in Africa: the challenge of passing the baton. Owino insists that for ODM to survive and remain relevant, it must inject "young energy" into its top echelons. He warns that the current internal wrangles, if left unresolved, will fatally weaken the party.

• The Polls: Owino frequently cites recent opinion polls indicating he holds a commanding 33% approval rating among party faithful, significantly outpacing Oburu Oginga's 10%.
• The Ideological Divide: Owino represents a faction vehemently opposed to ODM's collaboration with the ruling Kenya Kwanza government, advocating for a robust, uncompromising opposition.
• The "Babaism" Phenomenon: Owino argues that he embodies the spirit of "Babaism"—the fierce, grassroots-driven politics that defined Raila Odinga's career—better than the older generation.

To break the current deadlock, Owino has demanded the immediate convening of a National Delegates Conference (NDC). He has explicitly challenged the party's Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, to orchestrate the meeting, warning that failure to do so will result in the mobilization of delegates to trigger the conference autonomously.

A High-Stakes Political Gambit

The showdown is fraught with peril. Recently, chaos erupted at an ODM rally in Kakamega, where teargas was deployed, underscoring the volatile nature of the intra-party conflict. Owino remained defiant amid the disruptions, daring the old guard to "leave the party alone for us."

This power struggle is being closely monitored by political analysts across East Africa. The outcome will determine whether ODM consolidates its power through youthful reinvigoration or fractures under the weight of internal dissent. If Owino succeeds, it will mark one of the most significant political coups in Kenya's recent history.

"If those people think that ODM cannot produce a presidential candidate, they are short-sighted; they are dealers and not leaders," Owino proclaimed, setting the stage for a brutal battle for the opposition's future.