Babu Owino Warns of Alternative ODM NDC if Party Polls Are Manipulated

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has warned that he will organise a parallel National Delegates Conference (NDC) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if he believes the party’s planned elections are compromised.

Speaking during a media interview on Tuesday, Owino said there were serious concerns among younger party members about the credibility of the upcoming leadership process. He accused senior officials of attempting to manipulate internal procedures in order to retain control of the party.

Owino alleged that some leaders were interfering with the delegates’ list by including supporters from regions such as the Rift Valley and North Eastern, which he claimed could distort the outcome of the elections. He said he intended to personally examine the delegates’ register to confirm its authenticity. If the process is not corrected, he warned, he would convene an alternative conference. 

“If they call theirs, we will also call ours, which will elect us,” he said.

The MP reiterated his ambition to succeed Raila Odinga as ODM leader, saying his interest in the position was declared while Odinga was still alive. He described his bid as a continuation of Odinga’s political legacy, referencing the slogan, “baada ya Baba ni Babu”.

Owino said the dispute reflects a wider generational divide within the party. He accused long-serving officials of marginalising younger leaders and prioritising personal interests over the party’s future. He claimed that some senior figures were “auctioning the party” and warned against ignoring the role of youth in ODM’s leadership.

While expressing respect for current party leader Oburu Odinga, Owino said younger members must be given space to advance within the party’s structures. He argued that renewal was necessary for ODM to remain relevant and cohesive.

Owino also linked his campaign to concerns raised by Winnie Odinga, saying recent actions had undermined the Odinga family. 

He criticised what he described as efforts to sideline the family, calling them disrespectful to Raila Odinga’s contribution to the party. He identified Winnie Odinga and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna as part of a younger group seeking reform within the party.

In response, Oburu Odinga dismissed Owino’s threats, saying he was ready to convene the NDC and face any challenges directly.