The generational war within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has exploded into the open. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is reportedly mobilizing a faction of youthful MPs to oust Senator Oburu Odinga from key party structures, signaling a direct challenge to the Odinga family's grip on the party.

Sources reveal that Babu, aligned with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, is pushing for an urgent National Delegates Conference (NDC) to "revamp" the party leadership. The target? The "old guard" whom they accuse of lethargy and gatekeeping.

The "Young Turks" Rebellion

Babu Owino has made no secret of his ambition to lead ODM. His move to target Oburu—Raila Odinga’s elder brother—is a bold, almost sacrilegious maneuver in Luo politics. It is a signal that he believes the "Baba" era is transitioning, and he wants to be the heir.

• The Factions: One camp, led by John Mbadi and Junet Mohamed, supports the status quo and loyalty to the family. The other, led by Babu and Sifuna, demands a "youthquake" to prepare the party for 2027.
• The Trigger: Recent fallouts over the bipartisan talks and the Finance Bill vote have widened the rift. The youth faction feels the old guard is too cozy with the government.
• Oburu’s Response: The Siaya Senator has dismissed the rebels as "excitable children," warning that ODM is not a vehicle for personal ambition.

Raila’s Dilemma

As Raila focuses on his AU bid, his backyard is burning. If he crushes Babu, he risks alienating the youth. If he lets him rise, he risks losing control of his own vehicle. The "Orange" is being squeezed from within.