NAIROBI, June 10, 2026 — President William Ruto’s digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has sparked fresh political debate after claiming that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has settled on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as his preferred running mate for the 2027 General Election.
In a lengthy open letter circulated on social media and addressed to a figure he referred to as “Jofri”, a name widely interpreted in political circles as a reference to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Itumbi laid out what he described as the opposition’s emerging political strategy ahead of the next election.
According to Itumbi, Kalonzo and Sifuna are expected to lead a coalition under the banner of the Ukombozi Linda Mwananchi Alliance, bringing together Kalonzo’s Komboa Kenya campaign and Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement.
The strategist further alleged that the opposition has already identified key candidates for Nairobi’s top elective seats.
He claimed Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has been earmarked for the Nairobi governor race, while former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Irungu Nyakera is being considered for the Senate seat.
In a pointed attack on Gachagua, Itumbi claimed the opposition leadership had rejected advice allegedly advocating for a Kikuyu candidate in the Nairobi governor contest, suggesting growing tensions over the direction of opposition politics and the role of the Mount Kenya region within the coalition.
The most serious allegations in Itumbi’s statement concerned the planned protests scheduled for June 24 and June 25, as well as the anticipated Saba Saba demonstrations.
Without providing evidence, Itumbi accused Gachagua of being the architect of the planned protests and claimed the former deputy president follows a recurring pattern of distancing himself from events when demonstrations turn chaotic.
The allegations are likely to intensify an already heated political environment as opposition leaders continue to mobilise supporters against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Neither Kalonzo, Sifuna nor Gachagua had publicly responded to Itumbi’s claims by Wednesday evening.
The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity within opposition ranks. Kalonzo recently intensified his Komboa Kenya campaign, signalling his intention to mount another presidential bid, while Sifuna and allies associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have been conducting political rallies across several regions.
Political observers view Itumbi’s intervention as part of the increasingly aggressive battle for narrative control ahead of 2027.
While some interpret the claims as an attempt to expose and potentially destabilise opposition plans, others argue the level of detail contained in the statement suggests deep knowledge of ongoing discussions within rival political camps.
The claims also place fresh pressure on Gachagua, who has been seeking to consolidate support following his fallout with President Ruto and subsequent impeachment battles.
Whether Itumbi’s assertions reflect genuine political realignments or form part of a broader contest for public opinion remains unclear. What is certain is that the statement has injected fresh intrigue into an opposition landscape that is still taking shape more than a year before the next General Election.
What began as a spirited rebellion against President William Ruto’s broad-based government experiment and ODM’s perceived drift from its founding ideals is now exposing the familiar fault lines of Kenyan opposition politics.
The Linda Mwananchi movement, which attracted large crowds to rallies in Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa and other towns, is increasingly grappling with an identity crisis. At the heart of the debate is a growing tension between collective resistance and individual political ambition. Despite repeated public declarations of unity, signs of strain are becoming harder to ignore.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino moved swiftly this week to dismiss speculation about a fallout with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Speaking in an interview with Namlolwe FM, Owino insisted that the two leaders are pursuing different political paths. According to him, Sifuna is focused on a future presidential bid, while he is eyeing the Nairobi governorship in 2027 before eventually seeking the presidency in 2032.
“There is no conflict between us,” Owino said.
Yet the same interview revealed frustrations that have simmered beneath the surface for years. Owino recounted how he allegedly had to threaten chaos at Orange House in 2017 to secure an ODM ticket. He spoke of fighting legal battles after his election victory was nullified and claimed he received the party ticket for the 2022 elections only two days before the primaries.
He also accused Dr Oburu Oginga of failing to convene a delegates’ conference for fresh ODM elections and declared that he would never again serve under another party leader. According to Owino, Raila Odinga would be the last leader under whom he served politically.
Those are hardly the words of a politician content with a supporting role.
Owino also reminded listeners that he played a central role in organising and mobilising the massive Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu, a remark many interpreted as an assertion of influence within the movement at a time when Sifuna’s profile appears to be rising fastest.
A TIFA survey released in May appeared to underscore that reality. The poll showed Owino’s national support within the Linda Mwananchi camp dropping from 8 percent to 2 percent, while Sifuna registered 10 percent nationally and emerged as one of the movement’s strongest performers in Western Kenya.
The emerging tensions are not only personal. They are also strategic.
Sifuna has consistently argued that defeating an incumbent president will require a united opposition front. His willingness to engage with the emerging opposition alliance associated with Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka has positioned him as a possible kingmaker or running mate in a broader coalition arrangement.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has taken a different approach. He has doubled down on the idea of reclaiming ODM from within, presenting himself as the party’s de facto leader and signalling readiness for a presidential run. For Orengo, the battle is ideological as much as it is electoral.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has added a generational dimension to the debate by openly describing Sifuna as the most credible presidential prospect among younger leaders. He has questioned whether veteran politicians such as Orengo can generate the level of excitement needed to mount a serious challenge against Ruto.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s longtime ally Caroli Omondi has gone even further, warning that ODM faces an ideological split between the Linda Mwananchi wing and the Oburu-aligned “Linda Ground” faction. Omondi has even referenced Raila’s dramatic departure from Ford-Kenya in 1996 as a possible blueprint should ODM abandon what he views as its founding principles.
The Registrar of Political Parties’ decision to reject attempts to register the Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya only highlighted the movement’s uncertainty without resolving it. Although key leaders opposed the registration bid, the episode exposed the lack of consensus on the movement’s future direction.
Should Linda Mwananchi become a political party? Should it remain a pressure group? Or should it merge into a broader opposition coalition?
Those questions remain unanswered.
Political analysts argue that the current turbulence is predictable. Many personality-driven political movements enjoy rapid growth during periods of public anger but struggle once they are forced to develop structures, define leadership hierarchies and identify candidates for elective office.
For a movement that gained momentum through public frustration over taxation, the rising cost of living and perceived opposition compromises, the internal power struggles carry significant risks.
Meanwhile, the evolving relationship between the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and Wiper has already complicated calculations in Nairobi. Their cooperation is widely viewed as a potential obstacle to Owino’s gubernatorial ambitions, particularly with reports that some influential figures favour Embakasi North MP James Gakuya for the city’s top seat.
Every day spent managing internal rivalries and positioning for 2027 is a day the broader opposition risks failing to present a coherent alternative to Ruto’s re-election campaign.
Public denials of discord are understandable. Few within the movement would want to hand the government an early political victory by openly acknowledging divisions.
Yet polling trends, public statements and competing visions for the future tell a more complicated story.
What once appeared to be a brotherhood forged in anti-government rallies is increasingly looking like a contest over leadership, influence and political succession. The real test for Linda Mwananchi may not be whether it can mobilise crowds, but whether it can prevent personal ambitions from eclipsing its founding mission of championing ordinary citizens.
Kenyan voters have seen similar stories unfold before. The question now is whether Linda Mwananchi can rewrite the script before today’s cracks become tomorrow’s craters.
Dennis Onyango, the man who served as Raila Odinga’s press secretary and personal spokesman for decades, has fired a political grenade into the heart of the post-Raila succession battle, revealing in explosive detail that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was never part of the late opposition chief’s carefully constructed exit strategy from the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Monday Report on March 30, Onyango did not mince words.
While confirming that Senate Minority Leader James Orengo and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna were deliberate fixtures in Raila’s contingency architecture, he drew a sharp, categorical line at the politician who has been loudest in claiming Baba’s mantle.
“He never had Babu anywhere in his thinking. He thought he was going to be a trouble,” Onyango said of the Nairobi lawmaker who has publicly declared, “baada ya Baba ni Babu.”
The disclosure strips Owino of an aura he has been cultivating since Raila’s death, one that positioned him alongside Sifuna and Orengo as the vanguard of the “Jeshi ya Baba” militant resistance.
Onyango had earlier, in February, affirmed that Raila never named a preferred successor, trusting party institutions to determine who would emerge.Monday’s interview went further, explicitly separating the wheat from the chaff.
Onyango’s revelations build directly on disclosures made days earlier by Raila’s former legal advisor Paul Mwangi.
Mwangi, speaking in an exclusive interview on Saturday, March 28, claimed that Raila deliberately positioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as an “exit plan” while cooperating with President William Ruto, carefully structuring his political moves to ensure he was never boxed into a single corner.
Mwangi described the current ODM internal turmoil as a clash between two factions that have long coexisted within Raila’s orbit: a “political-diplomatic” wing and a “militant” wing, arguing that both sides legitimately reflect different aspects of his leadership style.
Raila, Mwangi insisted, would never engage in anything without an exit strategy. If things did not work out, or if there was a clash on the cooperative side, he would turn to the militant faction and rally them as a fallback.
Onyango on Monday confirmed that logic, then added the crucial asterisk that Mwangi had left hanging. Yes, Sifuna and Orengo were part of the plan. Babu was not. He was a liability calculation, not a strategic asset.
The timing is devastating for Owino.
In February, he had told a local TV station that Raila’s final message was that ODM must produce a presidential candidate and should not be fully in the broad-based government, presenting himself as the faithful interpreter of Baba’s vision.He has also publicly declared his interest in the ODM party leadership.
Onyango’s assessment now positions Owino as a man freelancing on a brand that its owner apparently never fully endorsed for him.
The broader context in which these disclosures land is one of acute ODM crisis.
Dr Oburu Oginga, who ascended to the party leadership following Raila’s death, has staked his authority on institutional consolidation, signalling he will not seek elective office in 2027 but will instead serve as a custodian of the movement.
That transition, however, has been anything but smooth. At the Linda Mwananchi faction’s parallel “People’s NDC” at Ufungamano House on March 27, Sifuna openly rejected serving under the new leadership structure, declaring he would not be “the SG of mediocrity” and telling Oburu to find his own Secretary-General.
Sifuna, who appeared to have accepted his fate after his ouster, drew a firm line against serving under what he called a new leadership lacking credibility, while honoring his tenure under Raila as the greatest privilege of his political life.
The Ufungamano meeting was briefly disrupted when police officers attempted to gain access to the venue, prompting Sifuna to appeal for calm and challenge the officers directly from the podium.
The layered disclosures illuminate, perhaps more vividly than any previous account, the architecture of Raila’s political genius.
He maintained parallel power centres, ensured no single alliance left him without leverage, and ran a diplomatic track alongside a militant one.
Both the pro-Ruto and anti-Ruto camps within ODM have claimed to represent Raila’s wishes, with outcomes likely to have far-reaching ramifications on the political landscape heading to 2027.
What Onyango has now clarified is that not everyone who claimed a seat at that table was actually invited.
For Babu Owino, the revelation is more than a bruised ego moment.
It lands as he positions himself as a credible Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant and potential ODM party leader, ambitions that depend substantially on the legitimacy that Raila’s posthumous endorsement, real or implied, confers.
That endorsement, according to the man who knew Raila best, was never there.
The question now roiling ODM’s corridors is who will inherit the militant faction’s street firepower, and whether Sifuna and Orengo, the two figures Raila actually trusted with his escape hatch, can harness that energy without the maestro who designed the trap.
Police have arrested the personal bodyguard of Siaya Governor James Orengo and at least eight other members of his staff, detaining them in police stations across Nairobi and Siaya County on the eve of President William Ruto’s visit to the lakeside county.
Governor Orengo said his bodyguard was picked up in Nairobi at around 7.30pm on Saturday, March 7, and taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters.
Eight additional members of his staff, among them his communications officer, were arrested the same evening and held at various stations in Siaya County.
His personal assistant, the governor added, remains at large and is actively being sought by police, coming days after the same aide was summoned to record a statement.
Speaking to the Daily Nation by telephone, Mr Orengo said the arrests were directly connected to President Ruto’s scheduled visit to Siaya on Sunday. President Ruto was expected to attend the homecoming ceremony of Dr Ouma Oluga, the Medical Services Principal Secretary, at Uyoma in Rarieda Constituency.
“I am not sure what the government is afraid of. The President has the right to come to Siaya, but this does not give him a licence to order arbitrary arrests. The police are under strict instructions not to release them until Sunday evening, after the President’s event,” Mr Orengo said.
The governor described the conduct as an attempt to intimidate and harass his team, but vowed it would not derail what he called “our cause.” He demanded the immediate release of all those in custody, terming the arrests an egregious affront to human and constitutional rights.
“This egregious conduct on the part of the police has no place in a constitutional democracy. I demand their release. This is meant to intimidate and harass us, but it will not deter us from continuing with our cause,” he said.
The arrests also came hours before a planned Linda Mwananchi rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, where the Orengo-led team had intended to present a parallel report on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Ruto and the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga. The Linda Mwananchi team had separately announced plans to travel to Kaiti Constituency in Makueni County for a fundraiser and church service on Sunday.
Mr Orengo, a first-term governor and one of the most prominent rebel voices within ODM, has been a persistent critic of the broad-based government arrangement entered into by his party and the President’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He has also taken aim at the elevation of Oburu Odinga as the party’s acting leader, arguing that the appointment was irregular and violated the party’s own constitutional procedures.
Babu Owino also claims he is being targeted
Babu Owino.
The arrests came as Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino also claimed on Saturday that police were moving to detain him. In a Facebook post at 6pm, Mr Owino alleged that DCI officers from Kakamega County had been dispatched for the operation, and named Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo as the complainant.
“Plans to arrest me on course. I highly welcome this nonsense. Why use DCI from Kakamega County? Raymond Omollo is the complainant,” Mr Owino wrote.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, a government ally, warned on social media that the governor risked personal arrest if he continued to antagonise the state, saying police had been right to act against those he accused of orchestrating disruptions ahead of the presidential visit. He claimed that Orengo’s aides had been paying residents in Uyoma to jeer and insult the President during the Siaya visit.
The police had not issued a statement on the arrests by the time of going to press. President Ruto arrived in Siaya on Sunday morning for the Dr Oluga homecoming event at Uyoma, one of the opposition’s traditional strongholds.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has stirred fresh turbulence within the Orange Democratic Movement after alleging that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino angrily banged a table in front of the late party leader Raila Odinga when he missed out on the powerful Public Accounts Committee chairmanship.
Speaking during a live interview on Radio 47’s Breakfast 47 programme on Tuesday, Passaris claimed the incident occurred after internal parliamentary negotiations denied Mr Owino the PAC seat, a position traditionally reserved for the opposition and regarded as one of the most influential oversight roles in the National Assembly.
“Babu Owino aligongea Raila Odinga meza baada ya kunyimwa the PAC chairmanship,” she said, alleging that the MP also sent strongly worded messages to the veteran opposition leader. “Ndiyo maana hata siku za mwisho za Raila, Babu Owino hakuwa anaonekana kwa meetings za ODM.”
Raila Odinga.
Her remarks, delivered in a measured but pointed tone, have reopened debate about simmering succession battles within ODM following Mr Odinga’s death.
The party, which for decades revolved around Mr Odinga’s authority, has been grappling with internal realignments as younger leaders seek to consolidate influence.
When pressed during the interview on whether she personally witnessed the alleged confrontation, Passaris described the episode as widely known within party ranks and referred to what she termed text exchanges between Mr Owino and Mr Odinga.
The Public Accounts Committee has historically been a strategic perch for opposition politics.
Its chairperson scrutinises government spending and tables reports that often shape national accountability debates.
In past parliaments, ODM has fought fiercely to retain control of the committee, seeing it as a lever against the Executive.
Mr Owino has previously voiced frustration over what he considers systematic sidelining in party and parliamentary appointments despite his high-profile mobilisation for ODM during the 2017 and 2022 campaigns.
He has publicly declared his interest in holding senior leadership roles, arguing that generational change within the party is inevitable.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai weighed in shortly after Passaris’ remarks circulated online, posting on X that Mr Odinga “died cursing Babu” and dismissing the notion that Mr Owino is the natural successor to the former premier.
The post intensified an already heated online exchange among ODM supporters.
Political analysts say the timing of the accusations is significant.
With ODM navigating its place within the evolving “broad-based” government arrangement and recalibrating its opposition strategy, any suggestion of past disrespect towards Mr Odinga carries heavy symbolic weight among the party’s grassroots base.
Mr Owino has not issued a public response to the claims.
The clip from Radio 47 has since gone viral, drawing thousands of reactions and exposing deep divisions among ODM loyalists.
Some have demanded evidence to substantiate the allegations, while others argue that internal disputes should be resolved within party organs rather than through media exchanges.
For a party built on Mr Odinga’s towering political persona, the unfolding spat underscores the fragile transition from personality-driven politics to a contested post-Raila era. Whether the latest claims harden factional lines or force a public reconciliation remains to be seen.
In what is shaping up to be one of the most damaging insider exposés to rock the Orange Democratic Movement’s fractured grassroots, Calvince Okoth, better known as “Ghetto President” Gaucho, has publicly and permanently cut ties with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, accusing him of orchestrating staged arrests, inciting violence against allies and weaponising grief in a community still reeling from the death of Raila Odinga.
In a tell-all video that has since gone viral, Gaucho, once described as Babu’s most loyal soldier and self-proclaimed “cell mate,” delivers a string of allegations so grave they threaten to upend the MP’s carefully curated image as a street-level champion of the Luo poor.
The Dead Man’s Warning
The most devastating claim in Gaucho’s video centres on a private conversation he says he held with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga before his passing in October 2025.
When Gaucho sought Odinga’s counsel over growing friction with Babu Owino, he says the veteran politician was blunt and final in his verdict.
Raila Odinga.
“Raila told me to avoid that boy completely,” Gaucho says in the recording. “He told me his hands are full of blood. He warned me that Babu is a person who can plan your downfall while smiling with you.”
The allegation is explosive precisely because it invokes a voice that can no longer respond.
Raila Odinga’s death has left the Luo community deeply divided, with factions fighting for legitimacy in his name. Gaucho’s invocation of a deathbed-style warning from the patriarch himself is calculated to land like a thunderclap.
A 2022 Arrest ‘Scripted Like a Drama’
Gaucho’s second major allegation takes aim at one of the defining moments of Babu Owino’s political mythology, his arrest during 2022 anti-government protests, widely celebrated as proof of his commitment to the streets.
Gaucho says the arrest was theatre.
“He knew people were turning against him for not voting on the Finance Bill. So he coordinated with someone in the government to ensure he was arrested. He wanted to look like a hero again,” Gaucho claims.
More chillingly, he alleges that while both men were in custody, Babu arranged for hired goons to assault Gaucho inside the police cells, specifically to deepen the narrative of state persecution, while the MP himself remained safe in a separate cell.
Babu Owino has not responded directly to these specific allegations. His office did not issue a statement before publication.
A Community on Edge
Gaucho’s exposé lands at a moment of acute pressure within the Luo community and within ODM itself.
The party is already riven by a bitter internal dispute, with the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal recently reinstating Secretary General Edwin Sifuna after the ODM National Executive Committee moved to have him ousted in February.
Babu Owino and Sifuna lead the rival “Linda Mwananchi” faction, which has positioned itself squarely against the broad-based government and the pro-Ruto wing of ODM associated with Raila’s brother, Oburu Odinga.
The blood price of that political battle is now impossible to ignore.
An autopsy on George Olande Otobe, killed during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Vihiga County on February 21, established that he died from multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence after allegedly stabbing a fellow attendee, Hussein Hassan, during an altercation.
The DCI confirmed the death and, in a statement, accused the rally organisers of allowing their supporters to carry weapons into the venue, contrary to constitutional requirements.
It was the second fatality linked to the Linda Mwananchi tour: on February 15, 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo was shot dead by police in Kitengela during a separate rally.
Gaucho has placed himself firmly on the other side of this divide.
He has come out publicly in defence of Interior PS Raymond Omollo, the very official Babu Owino accuses of orchestrating the alleged abduction of his brother-in-law, Geoffrey Ajiki, days before the Kakamega rally.
Ajiki was eventually released in the early hours of the morning and found in Machakos County, with no formal charges disclosed and no official statement issued by the DCI or Interior Ministry.
Gaucho dismisses the entire episode as a sympathy hunt, arguing that Babu manufactures victimhood to consolidate his grip on the ODM youth base.
‘Stop Dragging PS Omollo Into Your Political Battles’
Going further in a separate public statement, Gaucho trained his fire on what he describes as Babu’s insatiable appetite for political dominance and his reckless use of tragedy as a campaign tool.
“Hon. Babu Owino should stop seeking relevance by constantly dragging the name of PS Dr Raymond Omollo into his political battles,” Gaucho declared. “Leadership is built on ideas and solutions, not noise and personal attacks.”
Gaucho reserved particular contempt for what he sees as Babu’s simultaneous war on multiple fronts, against ODM’s Oburu Odinga-led faction, against the Nairobi county government, and against the national administration.
“His open hostility toward Party Leader Dr Oburu exposes a deeper struggle for control, wanting to be party leader, kingpin, and governor all at once, while opposing cooperation between the Nairobi Governor and the National Government. You cannot fight all crowns at the same time and still claim to serve the people. Attempting to dominate every political space only exposes insecurities, not strength,” Gaucho said.
The statement cuts to the heart of Babu’s current political positioning.
The MP has in recent weeks declared his candidacy for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027, using high-profile press conferences to accuse Governor Johnson Sakaja of corruption while simultaneously keeping his foot in the Linda Mwananchi camp.
Gaucho’s charge, that Babu is running too many races at once, echoes a concern whispered in ODM corridors for months.
“Kenyans need solutions, not endless political drama. They deserve jobs, education, and platforms for growth, not slogans, incitement, and street politics,” Gaucho continued. “Using their frustrations as political fuel is not leadership; it is betrayal.”
The Kingpin Nobody Can Surpass
Gaucho’s most pointed warning, directed at university students and young men with political ambition, strikes at the core of Babu’s brand.
“If you are a smart young man with influence, you are in danger around him,” he says. “He doesn’t want anyone else to rise. He will either link you to a crime or ensure you are frustrated so he remains the only kingpin.”
In his separate statement, Gaucho broadened that indictment to the entire Luo generation. “Most worrying is the continued use of Luo youth as tools for personal ambition. Our young people deserve empowerment, not manipulation for political mileage.”
The language of “victim politics” runs through the entire exposé. Gaucho’s central charge, that Babu Owino views the youth not as partners but as props, is a direct assault on the MP’s brand as a grassroots reformer.
The Machine Begins to Crack
Gaucho’s defection represents something more than a personal feud. He was, by his own account, an enforcer for the ODM youth wing, a man embedded in the machinery that mobilised crowds, managed optics and kept the grassroots loyal.
His pivot towards the broad-based government camp and his defence of PS Omollo signal that the infrastructure Babu Owino has long relied upon is beginning to fracture, and that the fracture is being exploited by his political opponents with surgical precision.
“Babu, I was your friend. I know how you play,” Gaucho says in his closing salvo. “But the people are waking up. You can’t use our blood to climb the ladder anymore.”
In a final gesture that carried its own political sting, Gaucho closed his statement not with a rallying cry but with a condolence. “I send heartfelt condolences to the family that lost their loved one in Kakamega. May God grant them strength and comfort during this difficult time. May the departed soul rest in peace.”
It was a message aimed squarely at the same crowd Babu Owino was hoping to command, and Gaucho delivered it first.
Babu Owino had not publicly addressed the video at the time of publication. He remained focused on his Linda Mwananchi movement, demanding the release of his security officers detained in Kisumu following the Kakamega rally, saying they had been held without charge or explanation.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of orchestrating a violent attack targeting him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at Kisumu International Airport.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live programme, Owino claimed that more than 200 armed goons were mobilised to ambush the two leaders as they prepared to transit to Kakamega for a political event. He alleged the group lay in wait at the airport, armed with crude weapons including pangas and knives, with the intent to cause harm and disrupt their travel.
The MP stated that one person, identified as George Olwandi, was killed during the ensuing chaos. Owino added that the victim’s family has since held a press conference addressing the media about the incident.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
Owino further revealed that he personally texted PS Omollo to warn him against employing what he described as “immature” political tactics. He accused the Principal Secretary of exploiting unemployed youths to instigate destruction for political gain.
The lawmaker questioned how civilians could gain access to tear gas canisters during the confrontation. He suggested that rogue police officers may have supplied them.
Owino also linked the incident to the recent arrest and subsequent release of his brother-in-law. He claimed the relative was arrested in Kilimani, but after public outcry, authorities released him and dropped him off in Machakos at around 4 a.m.
No immediate response was available from PS Omollo or the Ministry of Interior regarding the allegations. The incident occurred amid heightened political tensions ahead of opposition-led rallies in the region.
NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 21- In politics, opposition rallies rarely begin with anticipation of speeches. They begin with suspense on whether actually they will materialize.
On Saturday, the Linda Mwananchi rally at Amalemba grounds in Kakamega led by embattled Orange Democratic Movement secretary general Edwin Sifuna was clouded by uncertainties.
In the hours before the rally, Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud told journalists that police had not been formally notified about the gathering and had only seen posters circulating on social media.
“We will use all force to maintain peace. We will not accept lawlessness here. We cannot accept our country to go to the dogs,” he said.
On 19th February, Sifuna has confirmed that he has officially notified Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen about his upcoming Linda Mwanachi Kakamega rally.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, he said that he had already sent the notification for the Kakamega rally to the Kakamega OCPD and that he was going to send the same notification to the Senate WhatsApp group.
“By the way, that individual called Murkomen is still on the Senate WhatsApp group because he is a former senator. In fact, I have taken advantage of that. Yesterday I saw him say that he was not aware that we were going to Kitengela,”
“I have sent a notification on the Kakamega rally that we have made to the OCPD of Kakamega to his WhatsApp number, and I am going to send it to the Senate WhatsApp group because he reads our messages there,” noted Sifuna.
In a move that would actually derail the crowd from attending the political rally, Mahoud further claimed that security agencies had received intelligence suggesting that some individuals planning to attend the rally could be armed.
“We have every kind of information. We are even told people who are coming from as far as Nairobi who are armed with rifles. That is what we have been told. That group who want to make a rally, they are armed, they said they don’t need the police,” he alleged.
Teargas Disruption
Even before the Linda Mwananchi Movement leaders made their way to Amalemba grounds, teargas were already billowing.
Teargas canisters were lobbed at event organisers ahead of the rally scheduled in Kakamega County today.
Tension began building early in the morning as small groups of rowdy youths were seen uprooting and setting ablaze road reflectors near Amalemba Grounds, where the rally was scheduled to take place.
At around 9:00am, a teargas canister was lobbed toward the venue, triggering panic among sections of the crowd. Some attendees responded by hurling stones, escalating the standoff.
As the situation grew volatile, groups of young men organised themselves along key access roads leading to the grounds. They mounted informal barricades, stopping and inspecting vehicles headed toward the rally site in what appeared to be an attempt to control who accessed the area.
Elsewhere in Kakamega town, rival political energies were also on display. Youths allied to the broad-based government cruised through the streets atop trucks and motorbikes, chanting slogans and waving placards emblazoned with the words “Two Tutam,” adding another layer of theatre to an already charged morning.
Sea of Humanity
Even so, Sifuna led the Linda Mwananchi team to a massive turnout in Kakamega, drawing a sea of supporters to the town ahead of their highly anticipated rally.
Sifuna’s convoy wound its way through Kakamega town en route to Amalemba Grounds, with throngs of supporters lining the streets, chanting slogans and waving party flags.
The atmosphere was electric, as Sifuna and Babu Owino stood atop their vehicles, greeting the crowd while music blared from speakers. The popular anthem “Jeshi la Baba” sent supporters into a frenzy, with cheers and waves echoing across the streets.
He was joined by a host of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stalwarts, including James Orengo Caleb Amisi Richard Onyonka Brian Lishenga Jack Wamboka and Majimbo Kalasinga.
Undettered Crowd
But the smooth flow of the rally would soon be disrupted as soon as the Nairobi Senator took to the podium. Despite Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi having uninterrupted speech to the crowd, the rally was almost disrupted when Sifuna took to the podium.
Teargas canisters arced into the gathering, landing near the stage and within the crowd. White clouds spread quickly across the dias.
Sifuna had barely risen to offer his opening remarks when canisters landed near the dais, sending thick white plumes billowing into the crowd. Supporters scattered in panic, running in all directions to escape the choking fumes.
Amid the chaos, Sifuna vowed the meeting would proceed despite the disruption.
“This meeting will not be disrupted as they did in Kitengela. We will extinguish it like bhang in prison. This meeting will not be disrupted, it will not end,” he declared.
He urged supporters to remain calm and avoid confrontation with police.
“Young people, don’t throw stones at them. We will extinguish this teargas like bhang and continue with this meeting,” he said.
Soon after the Supporters regrouped as others tried to attack individual suspected to disrupt the meeting by lobbying teargas.
Sifuna urged supporters not to throw stones, not to retaliate, and not to scatter. The meeting, he insisted, would continue. The ODM Secretary General insisted if the aim was to disperse them, that wouldn’t happen.
Kitengela Mayhem
Just days earlier in Kitengela, a similar gathering had ended in chaos after police fired teargas and live bullets as a young man lost his life.
Chaos erupted on Sunday when police fired teargas at a gathering in Kitengela as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders addressed supporters.
The disruption came shortly after Sifuna introduced fellow leaders who had joined him at the rally. Despite the upheaval, Sifuna later thanked the residents of Kitengela for turning out and urged them to remain steadfast.
“Thank you, Kitengela. Despite all the harassment, intimidation, and violence this morning, you showed up. They first destroyed our dais and sound equipment, and now state operatives have teargassed a peaceful assembly, bringing it to an abrupt end. We shall not relent,” Sifuna said.
When the first teargas canister was thrown, Sifuna called on the crowd to stay calm while trying to figure out who was disrupting the rally. More canisters followed, sending crowds scattering in all directions. Boda boda riders and residents quickly sought safety as the situation became chaotic.
The rally ended abruptly, with leaders leaving the scene while supporters dispersed across the town.
Sifuna condemned the heavy-handed response, saying security officers and hired personnel used excessive force against peaceful attendees. He also vowed to pursue justice for Vincent Ayomo, who was allegedly shot dead during the gathering.
“We will pursue justice for his family and ensure those responsible for his death are held accountable,” Sifuna said.
Firebrand lawyer Miguna Miguna has launched a blistering attack on ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and veteran politician James Orengo, branding them political opportunists bankrolling former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s shadowy agenda.
In a series of explosive posts on X, the self-proclaimed General tore into the trio, claiming they are part of a sinister plot to install former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as Kenya’s next president using Uhuru’s dirty money.
Miguna accused Sifuna and his “confused groupies” of masquerading as progressive legislators while spending years in Parliament without tabling a single pro-people legislation or impeachment motion against President William Ruto despite their theatrical press conferences denouncing his administration.
The Canada-based lawyer reserved his harshest words for Orengo, a man he once admired as a Form One student at Onjiko Secondary School in the 1970s when Orengo served as Ugenya MP.
“After we became adults and encountered James Orengo in politics, we realized to our collective consternation that he blew hot and cold and wasn’t a revolutionary,” Miguna wrote, systematically dismantling Orengo’s political legacy spanning five decades.
Miguna claimed he was among ODM strategists in 2007 who insisted Orengo receive a nomination certificate after losing in Ugenya, arguing the party didn’t need “hooligans in parliament.” But he says Orengo repaid that faith with incompetence and cowardice.
He accused the former Lands Minister of bungling a crucial 2007 presidential vote audit alongside PNU’s Martha Karua, sleeping at KICC while Karua “messed up the exercise” and failing to table a coherent report on electoral irregularities that sparked post-election violence.
During the 2009 ICC Review Conference in Kampala, Miguna claims Orengo and Amason Kingi refused to present ODM’s position on ICC indictments against Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, forcing him to step in.
“During the constitutional review process when Kibaki and his PNU gang tried to scuttle the completion of the process, Orengo always hid and left me alone to battle the PNU mandarins,” Miguna charged.
He savaged Orengo’s 2010 decision to support Raila Odinga’s switch from a parliamentary to presidential system, watching sheepishly as the late Otieno Kajwang called Miguna “the Mau Mau who has refused to leave the forest.”
The lawyer’s most damning accusation centers on what he calls serial betrayal. In 2018, as Miguna organized resistance through NRM-Kenya against “despots” Uhuru and Ruto, he claims Orengo and Raila abandoned him and cut deals with the duo.
“Although I beseeched Orengo to break ranks with the conservative, cowardly and reactionary elements within ODM so that we could chart a revolutionary path for the country, Orengo was too cowardly to take a stand,” Miguna wrote.
He accused Orengo of supporting the Uhuru-Raila handshake and the unconstitutional BBI despite raising parliamentary concerns, then displaying similar cowardice when Raila entered another handshake with Ruto after betraying Gen Z protesters.
Miguna questioned why Sifuna, Orengo and others demanding answers about Raila’s death didn’t call for an autopsy or make murder allegations at his funeral where they spoke.
“If Ida and Winnie believed Raila Odinga was murdered, why did they tell Kenyans about Raila’s will which presumably Orengo drafted and Raila’s wish to be buried within 72 hours?” he asked.
He challenged their progressive credentials, asking what concrete actions they’ve taken as public office holders to fight for justice for victims of police brutality or tackle corruption beyond press conference theatrics.
“What the opportunistic reactionary cowards are doing is trying to deceive Kenyans that they care about unemployment, corruption and high cost of living when they have spent their entire lives praising and worshipping the SYSTEM which brought unemployment, corruption, high cost of living, impunity and abuse of power,” Miguna charged.
The lawyer warned Kenyans against being deceived by politicians who hold press conferences during the day while meeting Uhuru, Ruto and Matiang’i at night.
“I don’t fear being attacked by naive and stupid zombies who get attracted to the newest conman in town. I’m here to expose hypocrites, conmen, thugs, drug dealers, murderers and opportunists,” Miguna declared.
He concluded with his trademark rallying cry: “Truth shall set us free!”
The allegations come as ODM figures have stepped up criticism of the Ruto administration while demanding transparency around the circumstances of Raila Odinga’s recent death.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has alleged that there is a plot to attack him ahead of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s funeral.
In a statement dated Friday, October 17, 2025, Babu claimed that he is aware of the plans and the orchestrators.
“There are plans to attack me on or before the day of Baba’s burial. I am aware of the culprits behind the scheme.,” Babu stated.
Babu further alleged that those people are planning to attack him to cause unwarranted violence in Raila Odinga’s funeral.
“It is my prayer that we give Baba the befitting send-off that he deserves, devoid of unwarranted violence,” said Babu.
The former Prime Minister’s funeral service will be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds on Sunday, October 19, 2025, and the Embakasi East legislator has expressed interest in attending to pay his last respects.
Since the formation of the broad-based government spearheaded by President William Ruto and the late Prime Minister, Babu Owino has found himself at loggerheads with several ODM party members over his criticism of the coalition government, which ODM is part of. They have accused him of being disloyal to the party.
His criticism of President Ruto’s administration has drawn backlash from several ODM leaders, including Kileleshwa MCARobert Alai, Treasury CS John Mbadi and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
Besides his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Babu Owino, who is seen as the apparent heir to Raila Odinga in Luo Nyanza politics, has reportedly unsettled some ODM officials, especially after the death of the former Prime Minister.
Some political analysts have positioned Babu as Raila Odinga’s potential successor in Luo Nyanza politics.
During a media interview on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Babu declared that once Raila Odinga exits politics, he would be ready to take over the leadership mantle of Luo Nyanza when asked whether he intends to succeed Raila.
“Na tunasema baada ya Raila ni Babu. Baba ndiye ako kwa kiti, lakini baada ya Baba ni Babu. Na tunasema huyu ni Babu wa Baba,” Babu said.
However, Babu clarified that he could not replace Raila while he is still alive but emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of leadership.
Treasury CS John Mbadi, during the burial of the late MP Dalmas Otieno, argued that Babu lacks the political experience required to contest for a serious leadership position.
In response, Babu criticized the CS for describing him as inexperienced, insisting that he is capable of taking up Raila Odinga’s leadership mantle when the time comes.
Embakasi East MP makes bold presidential declaration, cites youth leadership credentials
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has thrown down the gauntlet for Kenya’s political future, declaring with characteristic boldness that he will ascend to the presidency in 2032.
The youthful legislator’s pronouncement, made during a radio interview on Wednesday, signals the emergence of a new generation of political ambition that could reshape the country’s electoral landscape.
“2032 lazima niwe rais kwa uwezo wa Mwenyezi Mungu,” Owino declared with the confidence that has become his political trademark.
The statement translates to a divine conviction that his presidential destiny is not merely probable but inevitable.
What sets Owino’s declaration apart from typical political posturing is his matter-of-fact dismissal of conventional electoral anxiety.
When questioned about ballot placement, he responded with striking nonchalance: “Forget about just being on the ballot; many people will be there. But becoming the president of Kenya is very easy.”
This audacious confidence stems from what Owino describes as being “overqualified” for the highest office in the land.
The MP, known for his academic credentials and strong youth appeal, positions himself as representing a generational shift in Kenyan politics.
He draws inspiration from Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, citing the young African leader as evidence that age need not be a barrier to transformative leadership.
“I have what it takes – the mind, the vision, and the heart to lead,” Owino asserted, pointing to his combination of intellectual capacity, political experience, and grassroots connection as his primary assets.
His claim of being overqualified even for the Nairobi governorship suggests a political confidence that could either be dismissed as youthful exuberance or recognized as legitimate ambition backed by capability.
Strategically, Owino remains coy about 2027, indicating ongoing consultations with his support base.
His promise to announce his intentions by December demonstrates political calculation – acknowledging that premature campaigning could distract from his current legislative responsibilities while keeping options open.
The timing of this declaration is particularly significant.
As Kenya’s political establishment grapples with economic challenges and youth disillusionment, Owino’s presidential ambition represents the aspirations of a generation that feels underrepresented in traditional power structures.
His appeal to young voters, combined with his track record of speaking truth to power, positions him as a potential disruptor in Kenya’s often predictable political cycles.
However, the road to State House requires more than confidence and credentials.
Owino will need to build broader coalitions beyond his youth base, navigate the complex dynamics of Kenya’s ethnic politics, and demonstrate that his rhetorical fire can translate into practical governance solutions.
Whether his 2032 presidential ambition materializes as serious contention or remains political theater, Babu Owino has succeeded in one crucial objective: establishing himself as a voice that cannot be ignored in conversations about Kenya’s political future.
In a democracy where generational change often moves glacially, his bold declaration might just be the catalyst for accelerating that inevitable transition.
NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 18 – Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has thrown his weight behind Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s gubernatorial ambitions, declaring that Owino is poised to become the next Nairobi governor should he bag the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party ticket.
Speaking during a lacal radio interview, Jalang’o stated with confidence that Owino’s growing popularity and political influence make him a formidable contender in the capital’s 2027 gubernatorial race.
“If Babu Owino is given the ODM ticket today, he will become governor,” Jalang’o affirmed, adding that even without the party’s nod, Owino would still be a force to reckon with.
The MP went further, suggesting that Babu’s political trajectory could stretch beyond the governorship.
“Even if he’s not given the ticket, he’ll still cause waves he could even go higher and contest the presidency in 2032, when the seat becomes open after President Ruto finishes his second term,” he said.
In a bold political forecast, Jalang’o also weighed in on the national political landscape, expressing belief that President William Ruto is likely to secure re-election in 2027.
“It will be hard for anyone to remove Ruto right now. He’s on track to win again because, frankly, I haven’t seen anyone who can unseat him yet. That’s why he speaks with such confidence the political field is still his to control,” he remarked.
If Babu Owino declares his candidacy for the Nairobi gubernatorial race, he is expected to face stiff competition from the incumbent, Governor Johnson Sakaja, who is widely anticipated to defend his seat in 2027.
The Embakasi legislator however is yet to declare his intention to run for Nairobi governor seat and retains flexibility—viewing options in 2027 including president, governor, or re-election as MP.
Babu Owino is currently serving his second consecutive term in the National Assembly. He was first elected in 2017 on an ODM ticket.
In the 2022 general election, he successfully defended his seat, defeating his closest rival, UDA’s Francis Mureithi.
Over the years, Babu has built a reputation as a vocal and controversial figure, consistently ranking among the most visible and active MPs in the country.
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 23, 2025 — Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, was among 609 lawyers admitted to the bar as Advocates of the High Court of Kenya on Friday.
The milestone ceremony marks a significant achievement for the outspoken legislator, who has long balanced his political ambitions with a robust academic and professional journey.
Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the ceremony, delivering a powerful charge to the 609 new members of the bar.
She emphasized that their admission came with weighty responsibilities and urged them to be guided by principles of courage, integrity, and service to the people.
“The black robe you wear is not a symbol of status but a symbol of trust. As new advocates, consider how you will use your voices and skills to bring justice closer to the people. There will be pressure to compromise, to look the other way, to stay silent, but I urge you to be bold. Speak up for the voiceless, stand firm for what is right. That is what Kenya needs and that is what the robe demands,” said Chief Justice Koome.
The Chief Justice also acknowledged the evolving nature of legal practice, highlighting the growing importance of digital platforms and the need for innovation.
“Lawyers play a vital role in strengthening democracy, protecting rights and ensuring access to justice for all Kenyans. As the legal landscape evolves, we must embrace innovation and recognize the growing influence of digital platforms in legal practice,” she noted.
Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo congratulated the new advocates and provided insights into the professional expectations that accompany their new title.
“There can be no better balancing of power and ensuring this constitution that we so proudly hold comes to life than by having we as advocates championing and defending what we believe in. We all have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to defend justice,” said Ndemo.
A foundation built on excellence
Babu Owino admitted to the bar as advocate of the High Court.
According to official records, including Parliament’s website, MP Owino holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, a Master’s in Actuarial Science, and a Bachelor of Laws.
His academic journey is a testament to determination and intellectual capacity, rooted in humble beginnings in the Nyalenda slums of Kisumu.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Owino cited the inequality and harassment he witnessed while growing up in the Nyalenda slums as his main motivation for pursuing a law degree and eventually completing the Kenya School of Law course to be admitted as an advocate.
“Growing up in the slums of Nyalenda, I noticed with deep concern the constant harassment and humiliation of ordinary Kenyans in the brutal hands of law enforcement agencies, most of the time without a clue of what their constitutional rights were,” Owino told reporters.
He recounted how many residents, including his own mother, were unaware of their rights and had fallen victim to injustice on multiple occasions. His mother was arrested several times and, instead of being arraigned in court, would be beaten by police and forced to pay bribes from her meager chang’aa sales proceeds.
In a statement shared on social media, Owino reflected on his journey: “This achievement is not about personal grandiosity. It is about sharpening the tools of service. The law is now a new battlefield where I will fight even harder for justice, equity, and the rights of the common mwananchi.”
A few moments after his admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Babu Owino secured the release of 200 inmates jailed for petty offences by settling their fines at several Nairobi prisons
Looking ahead, Owino declared his intention to use his new legal credentials to represent Kenyans, particularly in opposing policies that threaten their livelihoods.
“The government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defense of Kenyans both in Parliament and in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable,” he said.
The newly minted advocate’s dual role as both parliamentarian and legal practitioner positions him uniquely to bridge the worlds of law and politics.
His supporters are confident that his energy and commitment will see him excel in both capacities, potentially reshaping how elected officials engage with the justice system on behalf of their constituents.
In a development that is likely to heighten political tensions in Nairobi County, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has made explosive claims that the late Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve Kimanzi was poisoned with a “lethal biological agent,” contradicting the official autopsy report that attributed the death to a blood clot.
According to Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, who conducted the autopsy, Hon. Munuve died from a pulmonary embolism – a blood clot that traveled from his leg to his lungs, blocking blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs.
“Upon opening the body, the most significant findings were in the lungs,” Dr. Oduor stated. “We discovered a large blood clot in the pulmonary artery, a condition that can lead to sudden death.”
The official examination revealed signs of oxygen deprivation, including darkened lips and fingernails, and identified another clot in a blood vessel in the lower limb, suggesting deep vein thrombosis as the initial condition.
However, MP Owino has contested these findings, claiming the blood clot was actually caused by poisoning, specifically pointing to organophosphates (OPs) as the potential agent.
“The autopsy report revealed that there was blood clot in the lungs which is caused by poisoning,” Owino stated. “Research indicates that organophosphate poisoning can cause a prothrombotic state, increasing the likelihood of blood clots.”
Organophosphates are chemicals commonly found in pesticides that interfere with nerve function. While medical literature does suggest they can potentially create conditions favorable for blood clot formation in some cases, Dr. Oduor’s report made no mention of poisoning as a factor.
Lawyer Danstan Omari
Adding another dimension to the controversy, the family of Hon. Munuve, through their legal representatives Danstan Omari and Shedrack Wambui, has suggested possible medical negligence in their relative’s treatment.
They indicated that “proper diagnosis and timely medical intervention could have saved his life.”
The family has noted that various samples, including stomach contents and specific organs, have been submitted for further laboratory analysis, and they are awaiting final results before making definitive public statements.
A medical expert consulted for this story caution that while certain poisons can contribute to blood clot formation, pulmonary embolisms are most commonly caused by natural conditions such as prolonged immobility, certain medical conditions, or genetic predispositions.
Authorities have indicated that the comprehensive laboratory results being awaited by the family should provide more definitive answers in the coming weeks.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has signaled his presidential ambitions for the 2027 general elections, suggesting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro could serve as his running mate.
During an interview on a local radio show, the outspoken lawmaker declared that a joint ticket with Nyoro would be formidable enough to secure victory without extensive campaign infrastructure.
“It all depends on our collective decisions with my brother Ndindi, who has proven himself as a high performer,” Owino stated. “If we decided to pursue the presidency today with Ndindi as my deputy, we could achieve victory effortlessly—by early morning!”
Ndindi Nyoro.
The ambitious MP outlined potential allies for his political journey, mentioning several influential figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, Eugene Wamalwa, Gladys Wanga, Irungu Kang’ata, and George Natembeya.
Not mincing words about current leadership, Owino expressed sharp criticism of both President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
He specifically highlighted alleged financial mismanagement in Nairobi, claiming that a World Bank allocation of Ksh.380 million intended for road construction projects in Embakasi East, Mathare, and Roysambu had been squandered.
“The World Bank released funds to improve our infrastructure, but contractors have abandoned sites with nothing to show for it,” Owino charged. “The responsibility falls squarely on Nairobi’s governor.”
When discussing his political future, the Embakasi East representative described himself as being “spoilt for choice” and “overqualified” for either gubernatorial or presidential aspirations, citing passionate support from his base for a 2027 presidential run.
In a particularly pointed assessment of President Ruto’s administration, Owino expressed disappointment in what he perceives as unfulfilled potential.
“This is a president who had every opportunity to be Kenya’s finest leader, especially coming from humble beginnings,” Owino remarked.
“After his 2022 victory, I believed he had secured 2027 as well. But watching developments unfold, I now see him losing ground due to obvious shortcomings.”
The pronouncement adds another dimension to Kenya’s already complex political calculations as the country gradually looks toward the next general election cycle.
A section of Nairobi MPs has accused Governor Johnson Sakaja of failing to deliver on his mandate, citing poor service delivery, a lack of cooperation with elected leaders, and negligence in addressing critical issues affecting residents.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, the MPs criticised Sakaja for sidelining local leaders and ignoring the electorate that voted him into office.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi revealed that repeated attempts to engage Sakaja on key issues had failed, accusing him of cutting off communication and refusing to collaborate with city leaders.
“I have tried calling the guy, but he doesn’t pick up. Even if you try, the phone doesn’t go through—we’ve tried everything, and nothing works. He only attended one meeting with Nairobi MPs, where we agreed he would share his work schedule so we could coordinate and support his efforts. Any governor who works with local leaders—MPs and MCAs—will always have an easier time,” Wanyonyi said.
He added that even during emergencies, such as last year’s floods, attempts to contact the governor went unanswered.
“I called him directly because his office handles disaster management. But there was no response. We ended up hiring private equipment to assist residents. We’ve tried everything and failed. Now, we’ve left the rest to God,” he said.
Wanyonyi claimed that his withdrawal from the 2022 Nairobi gubernatorial race, following pressure from the Azimio la Umoja coalition, played a major role in Sakaja’s victory. He said his supporters were angered by the coalition’s decision to replace him with Polycarp Igathe, leading many to vote for Sakaja instead.
“Even though I wanted that seat, the truth is I was in the race. And this guy knows my votes helped put him there. When I was asked to step down, people were furious and said they’d vote for him, not the endorsed candidate,” Wanyonyi said.
The MP also accused the governor of neglecting his Westlands constituency entirely.
“He has ignored Westlands. He doesn’t come here and hasn’t done anything. Everything that’s been done, I’ve done it myself with my team. There are problems everywhere, and our governor has become a man of many travels. My votes are the ones that put him in office.”
Poor services
Babu Owino
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino echoed Wanyonyi’s frustrations, stating: “If you’re elected as a leader, you must work. The people of Nairobi are suffering.”
He accused the county of gross mismanagement, citing the Nairobi County-Kenya Power waste scandal.
“The governor who’s supposed to clean up Nairobi is dumping waste at Stima Plaza. He’s disposing of sewage in the city centre. Is this someone we can even sit down with?”
Owino described county health facilities as “death traps”. “There are no medicines—just Piriton and paracetamol because county workers have opened their own pharmacies outside hospitals.”
He called for community-based solutions, including involving youth in waste collection.
“If you want a real solution to Nairobi’s garbage problem, give the job to the estate youth. Green Army workers are supposed to earn Sh30,000 monthly but only get Sh18,000. Where does the rest go?”
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, said Sakaja’s leadership lacks inclusion and transparency. “Leadership is about teamwork. For the governor to work effectively, he must involve MPs.”
Jalang’o also criticised Nairobi’s infrastructure, particularly street lighting. “Nairobi shuts down at 8 pm—it’s just darkness everywhere. For every working streetlight before the expressway, I’ll give you Sh1,000.”
He opposed increasing county allocations, questioning their use. “We passed laws, allocated funds, and they squandered everything. Now you want us to give them more to steal again?”
He also stressed that water distribution is a devolved function, squarely under the governor’s responsibility.
Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje demanded a complete overhaul of Nairobi’s planning systems. “Nairobi needs a proper master plan. We must bring in experts to reorganise the city. Right now, waste collection is being handled by the NYS.”
Kibra MP Peter Orero argued that MPs, as the most informed about their constituencies, should be involved in service delivery decisions.
“MPs know their areas best. Every constituency should have a fully functional hospital with adequate medicine, proper roads, and drainage.”
Starehe MP Amos Mwago said exclusion from county functions had derailed progress.
“We’ve been sidelined. I don’t see how, in the remaining two years, we can work together to achieve anything.”
The MPs urged Governor Sakaja to adopt a more inclusive approach, warning that continued disregard for elected leaders would worsen Nairobi’s governance crisis.
With two years left in his term, they said the time for excuses is over—Sakaja must either step up or face political consequences.
Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino now says that there is nothing wrong with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga endorsing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for another term in the City County’s gubernatorial race.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Babu said that he has been endorsed by God and the people of Kenya and the results can be seen from the recent poll by Infotrak Research that named him the best-performing legislator in Kenya.
“When Baba (Raila Odinga) endorsed Sakaja as you are saying it, there’s nothing wrong with that. Babu Owino has been endorsed by the Almighty God and Kenyans and you can see by the results,” he said.
This comes amid interest and various public declarations by Babu that he will vie for Governor of Nairobi, in 2027.
The Embakasi East MP went on to say that he is happy for Sakaja who is a young man like himself.
He noted that their differences have never been personal but ideological because he is also a resident of the City County.
“I am happy for my brother, Sakaja is a young man like myself, we might differ ideologically but nothing personal and we differ because I am also a resident of Nairobi who expects services, who pays taxes in Nairobi and should be served by the Governor like any other Nairobian.”
The legislator insisted that Sakaja made promises to the people of Nairobi and he must keep them.
“As a leader in Nairobi, I must push him to ensure he delivers to Nairobians because he promised and he must deliver.”
This comes after Raila urged Nairobi leaders to remain united as he entrusted Governor Johnson Sakaja with the responsibility of leading the city’s political affairs in his absence.
Referring to Sakaja as his son, Raila assured ODM members in the capital that they should remain steadfast while he is away, as the governor will oversee all political matters.
“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila said, pointing at Sakaja during a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, attended the event, which was organised by women affiliated with ODM.
The directive by Raila has been interpreted by many quotas as an endorsement of Sakaja ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Other than Babu, Westlands MP, Tim Wanyonyi is also eyeing the Capital’s gubernatorial seat after having been pushed to shelve his ambition in 2022 in support of Polycarp Igathe.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday hinted at plans to defect from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party to Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party ahead of the next election.
Sakaja made the revelation during a prayer event in support of Odinga, who is vying for the African Union Commission Chairperson seat.
In what appeared to be a clear endorsement of Raila, the ODM leader urged Nairobi leaders to remain united and entrusted Governor Sakaja with the responsibility of overseeing the city’s political affairs in his absence.
Referring to Sakaja as his son, Raila assured ODM members in the capital that they should remain steadfast while he is away, as the governor would take charge of political matters.
“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila said, pointing at Sakaja during the prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.
Senior ODM Party officials, including Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP George Aladwa, who also serves as the Nairobi ODM chairperson, praised Sakaja for collaborating closely with the Orange Party.
“I want to thank, in a special way, our Governor of Nairobi for standing with our party despite not being a member. I kindly urge him to leave UDA and join ODM so that we can move forward together,” said Aladwa.
Governor Wanga, on her part, thanked Sakaja for his role in organizing the event and acknowledged his alignment with ODM, which enjoys significant support in Nairobi County.
“We thank Sakaja for standing with ODM in Nairobi. As Aladwa has said, I urge Sakaja to seriously consider joining us,” Wanga stated.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, attended the event, which was organized by women affiliated with ODM. During the gathering, he announced plans to convene a meeting with ODM women leaders in Nairobi to clarify his political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Quoting a Swahili proverb, Sakaja said, “Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu na mwenye macho haambiwi tazama.” Loosely translated, this means, “The signs of rain are heavy clouds, and those with eyes do not need to be reminded to see them. I must respond to the requests made to me. We are together in this.”
Potential Fallout Within ODM?
Should Sakaja join ODM as suggested, his decision could spark internal tensions within the party. Three weeks ago, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino expressed dissatisfaction with Sakaja’s leadership, accusing him of poor governance and urging ODM not to support him.
Speaking during a public address, Babu criticized the governor’s performance, citing alleged corruption, inefficiency in service delivery, and a lack of progress in key areas.
“Nairobi deserves better. Despite a budget of over Sh40 billion, the county is collecting less revenue and performing poorly in service delivery. Governor Sakaja’s leadership has failed to meet the expectations of Nairobi residents,” Babu stated.
The outspoken MP also addressed rumors about Raila potentially endorsing Sakaja for a second term.
“Baba should know better. Sakaja has always opposed Raila’s presidency and consistently voted for his opponents since 2007. He is not one of us; he comes with dirty hands,” Babu said, alluding to Sakaja’s past political affiliations.
Babu further accused Sakaja of engaging in public relations stunts, including accompanying Raila on foreign trips as part of his campaign for the African Union Chairperson seat.
“These trips are mere theatrical PR gimmicks. Nairobians need a leader focused on solving local issues, not globetrotting for photo ops,” he added.
The MP hinted at growing discontent among political aspirants eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the next election.
“Over 20 candidates are preparing to challenge the current regime because of its failures. Baba should recognize those who genuinely love and support him, like myself,” Babu said.
This public critique comes amid mounting concerns over Nairobi’s governance, with residents expressing frustration over persistent issues such as waste management, insecurity, and stalled projects.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has stirred controversy after revealing that he was detained at Dar es Salaam Airport under the mistaken belief that he was on Interpol’s wanted list.
Babu, who was held for over three hours, expressed outrage at the humiliating experience, asserting that he had never engaged in any criminal activity.
According to the MP, his passport was flagged at immigration control, and Tanzanian authorities informed him that his name appeared on Interpol’s most wanted list. Shocked by the allegation, the legislator dismissed it as a serious error. “I have never even stolen a chicken, so what is the problem?” he remarked, highlighting his disbelief at the mix-up.
Following the ordeal, Owino took to social media to demand a public apology from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. He described the incident as “shocking” and insisted that Tanzania must acknowledge the mistake. “President Samia owes me an apology,” he wrote, making it clear that he expected formal recognition of the error.
Despite the diplomatic embarrassment, Babu stated that he had no intention of taking further action against Tanzanian authorities, emphasizing that he had no particular interest in visiting the country. “What do I need from Tanzania that I can’t get in Kenya? I haven’t even exchanged a single Tanzanian shilling,” he quipped, downplaying the significance of the incident.
This incident adds to the already tense relations Babu Owino has with neighboring countries. Previously, in May 2019, Uganda banned Owino from entering the country after he hosted Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine in Kenya. The Ugandan government cited Owino’s involvement in allegedly inciteful statements against President Yoweri Museveni’s administration. Owino confirmed his ban, saying, “If I go to Uganda, I am banned. I cannot enter Uganda,” underscoring his unyielding political stance.
Babu’s demand for an apology from President Suluhu signals his refusal to let the matter rest without accountability, further fueling debates on political relations and freedom of movement in East Africa.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has set Kenyan politics ablaze with his bold defiance of ODM party leader Raila Odinga. Babu, who aspires to become Nairobi’s governor in 2027, has shunned ODM meetings, sparking rumors of a fallout.
Meanwhile, Raila’s growing alliance with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has added fuel to the fire.
The drama has left political analysts speculating: has Raila shifted loyalties? And could Babu’s political rebellion reshape Kenya’s 2027 election landscape?
Is Babu Owino frustrated by Raila’s alliance with Sakaja?
Raila Odinga’s recent collaboration with Johnson Sakaja is raising eyebrows. The governor, once seen as a political outsider, has now found favor with Raila.
From attending the AUC Mjadala Debate in Addis Ababa together to private meetings at Raila’s rural home in Bondo, their relationship is blossoming.
Political analysts see this as Raila preparing for 2027 by aligning with Sakaja, who has worked closely with ODM members in Nairobi’s leadership.
Raila’s conspicuous absence from Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi’s mother’s funeral further deepened the intrigue.
Wanyonyi, who hopes to run for Nairobi’s top seat in 2027, expected Raila’s endorsement. However, the snub has cast doubts on Raila’s support, especially considering Wanyonyi’s family ties to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, a key ally of President Ruto.
Owino’s Rebellion and Battle for Political Survival
Babu Owino is charting a bold, independent course. After years of loyalty to ODM, he has hinted at forming his own party for the 2027 elections.
A leaked Facebook post revealed Babu’s frustrations with ODM’s current dynamics, despite his respect for Raila. “With or without ODM, my future is bright,” Babu declared. His defiance stems from Raila’s perceived closeness to Ruto, whom Babu vehemently opposes.
Babu has also criticized ODM leaders defending Ruto’s policies and condemned state officers for abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters.
His opposition to Ruto-Raila talks and the inclusion of ODM members in Ruto’s government showcases his unyielding stance against what he sees as betrayal.
The Road to 2027: Political Tensions Heat Up
As Raila and Sakaja grow closer and Babu distances himself from ODM, Nairobi’s 2027 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle.
Tim Wanyonyi’s aspirations, too, hang in the balance, with his loyalty to Raila now in question. Will Raila back Sakaja for the city’s top seat? Or is a reconciliation with Wanyonyi or even Babu possible?
One thing is clear: Babu Owino is not waiting for anyone’s blessing. His fiery rhetoric and refusal to back down signal a political landscape in flux. As 2027 approaches, Kenyan politics promises to be anything but predictable.
