Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has ruled out quitting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) come what may.
Speaking in a recent interview, the lawmaker restated that he is a bona fide ODM party member and would therefore not easily quit.
He was responding to the likelihood of Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja joining the party and later securing its ticket to defend his seat in the 2027 elections.
According to him, Sakaja does not share in the ideologies of ODM and therefore won't fit to be in it.
However, despite how things pan out politically, Babu said he would remain loyal to Raila, whom he credited for his political fortunes.
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"Sakaja is not someone who can get me out of ODM. He has never supported Baba (Raila Odinga) in the past. Despite everything, I will continue to love Raila because he is my leader," said Babu.
The lawmaker is believed to be eyeing the Nairobi governor's seat in the 2027 general election.
Recently, Raila ignited a frenzy after he seemed to endorse Sakaja's leadership in Nairobi.
Speaking during a prayer session organised for him ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) vote in Addis Ababa, Raila warmed up to Sakaja, who was in attendance of the prayer event at the Bomas of Kenya.
Referring to Sakaja as "my son", the ODM boss held up his hand as he lauded his stint at City Hall.
The display elicited reactions, with some quarters concluding that Raila had endorsed Sakaja for his reelection.
The party later came out to clarify things.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga denied that Raila endorsed Sakaja for reelection in 2027.
Speaking in a radio interview, Wanga expressed that Raila's statement was taken out of context.
According to the Homa Bay Governor, Raila only wished Sakaja well in his work, given that he is currently the county boss.
Wanga added that the party would allow all candidates interested in the gubernatorial seat to contest for the party ticket fairly.
She clarified that there was no plan to lock Babu out of the gubernatorial contest.
"No one can deny Babu to contest for any seat in the party. What Raila said is that he wanted Nairobi to remain strong and be run well. It had nothing to do with 2027," she stated.
