By Shadrack Nyakoe
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) elder Oburu Oginga has thrown his weight behind Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as a deserving contender for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, signalling a shift meant to calm internal party anxiety over succession politics and perceived bias.
In a candid interview on a National Television show, Oburu said no one within ODM should feel sidelined or intimidated from pursuing their political ambitions, insisting that the party will allow a transparent and competitive nomination process.
“If Babu wins the nomination, he will get the ticket. There is nothing barring him from contesting,” he stated, addressing fears the outspoken legislator had recently raised about potential sabotage ahead of the 2027 elections.
Oburu popularly known within political circles as “Gen Z youth leader” for his open advocacy of youth inclusion dismissed suggestions of a rift between older and younger members in the party. He said ODM is ready to hand over the reins to emerging leaders as long as the process is peaceful and democratic.
“Young people are taking up space in the party. I don’t believe the older generation is shutting them out. My role is to unite and create room for fair competition,” he said.
His comments come amid speculation that Governor Johnson Sakaja might receive ODM backing after President William Ruto and Raila Odinga stepped in earlier this year to halt an impeachment motion against him.
“Sakaja is not an ODM member. Our positions are won through party mechanisms, not handshakes or informal alliances,” he said.
He explained that ODM determines candidates through three key options: consensus, structured nominations or direct ticketing, depending on the level of internal agreement. However, he emphasised that for Nairobi, the process should be open, merit-based and shielded from manipulation.
Oburu also responded to allegations that Babu Owino had acted inappropriately during the burial of a member of Raila Odinga’s family after videos circulated showing sections of the crowd chanting his name.
“I don’t think there was any deliberate disrespect. Emotions run high at funerals, and what people perceive can be different from what was intended,” he noted, encouraging unity rather than internal friction.
According to the Siaya Senator, ODM’s focus is to strengthen internal democracy, nurture upcoming leaders and preserve Raila Odinga’s legacy through loyalty to party structures rather than personal interests.
“No sensible person would disrespect the Odinga family. What we need now is to bring everyone on board, including Babu, and let the best candidate win fairly,” he concluded.
