ODM Under Siege from Ruto’s Tactics, Claims Babu Owino

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has warned that President William Ruto is using political cooperation as a strategy to weaken the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from within ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in an interview with Ramogi TV, Babu claimed the President’s growing ties with ODM members are not based on genuine partnership but are intended to erode the party’s influence and undermine its role as the main opposition. He argued that several ODM politicians engaging with the Kenya Kwanza administration risk compromising the party’s ideological independence and its oversight responsibilities.

“Ruto is pretending to work with ODM, but deep down, he wants to finish the party from within,” Babu said, urging party members to avoid being drawn into the government’s agenda. 

He warned that doing so could make the party ineffective in holding the government accountable. Babu's remarks come amid internal debate over ODM’s positioning in national politics. The party has traditionally served as the primary opposition, but recent developments have seen some of its leaders work more closely with the ruling coalition. 

According to Babu, this shift is weakening the party’s foundations. He referenced ODM leader Raila Odinga’s recent statement affirming the party’s independence and commitment to fielding a presidential candidate in 2027. Babu viewed Odinga’s stance as support for maintaining the party’s opposition role. However, he criticised certain ODM members for disregarding this direction by aligning too closely with the government.

“We have been accused of fighting ODM, but Raila recently backed our position,” he said, calling on ODM legislators to reaffirm their oversight roles and resist political co-option. 

He warned that failure to do so could leave the party politically marginalised. During the same interview, Babu addressed his own political future, saying he does not expect ODM to support his bid for the Nairobi governor’s seat in 2027. He claimed that current Governor Johnson Sakaja already has the party’s backing, citing Raila's public defence of Sakaja during a recent impeachment attempt as an indication of this support.

“I am very sure I will not be given the ODM nomination ticket for the gubernatorial race,” Babu said, suggesting that he may reconsider his political strategy ahead of the next election.