Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has finally spoken out about his recent association with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Speaking at a local radio station on Wednesday, October 8, the outspoken lawmaker defended his growing closeness to the former Vice President, dismissing concerns that he might be abandoning ODM for the Wiper Party.
Babu argued that his relationship with Kalonzo was built over years of campaigning together under the Azimio la Umoja coalition during the 2013, 2017, and 2022 elections.
"Kalonzo supported Raila in 2013, 2017, and 2022. I was on that campaign trail all through, and we created a bond. If he were in Azimio, he would be a good person. So what wrong has he done now? Just because he is in opposition?" Babu posed.
The MP compared his interactions with Kalonzo to the ongoing communication between the Wiper leader and ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, who now serves in President William Ruto's Broad-based government.
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"Kalonzo still talks to Raila. Raila can call Kalonzo, and Kalonzo can call Raila, because they have a bond. So if Kalonzo still talks to Raila, what's wrong with me talking to Kalonzo?" he stated, responding directly to speculation about his political future.
Babu kept his cards close to his chest when pressed about his ambitions, leaving the door open for future possibilities.
"I'm a politician, and my bid is in God's hands. Which political party? I don't know, that's not today's problem. That is tomorrow's problem. For now I worry about my Embakasi East people. That they have access to water, other things we worry about them tomorrow," he said.
Babu appeared to acknowledge that his chances of securing an ODM ticket in future elections may be diminishing, citing recent political developments as evidence.
"I'm a politician. I saw my brother Sakaja being endorsed at BOMAS of Kenya. Even when he was almost impeached, they saved him. Raila and Ruto helped him. That's how I know my ticket with ODM is gone. Or will go," he revealed.
The remarks come just days after Babu publicly endorsed Kalonzo for the 2027 Presidential race during a meeting with over 700 student representatives at WPF offices in Karen.
The MP praised Kalonzo's leadership of the opposition movement and his loyalty during past campaigns, particularly his unwavering support for Raila despite not being named as his running mate in 2022.
Babu is among several ODM MPs who have opposed their party's decision to support the Broad-based government, choosing instead to maintain an opposition stance against President Ruto's administration.
