Babu Owino Dismisses Claims of Fallout With Odinga Family

Babu Owino has denied reports of a rift with the family of the late Raila Odinga, insisting that his relationship with the Odingas remains strong and respectful.

In a statement issued on 15 December, the Embakasi East Member of Parliament rejected claims of discord, emphasising his close ties with Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of the former Prime Minister. Owino described Mama Ida as a maternal figure who has always welcomed him warmly into her home, offering him food and hospitality whenever he visits. 

“Mama Ida loves me like her own son, and I can never disrespect such a mother,” Owino said, dismissing social media rumours that suggested otherwise.

He also highlighted his friendship with Raila’s children, including Winnie, Rosemary, and Raila Junior, stressing that his regular visits to the Odinga family home reflected a relationship built on mutual respect. The statement follows recent comments by Winnie Odinga, who, during her aunt Beryl Odinga’s funeral in Bondo on 6 December, publicly acknowledged Owino as a close family friend and a committed member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). 

Winnie also called for party unity, urging members to accept one another despite personal differences. In response, Owino expressed gratitude for Winnie’s gesture, noting in a social media post that her support came at a time when some at the funeral were reluctant to allow him to speak.