Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) acting party leader Oburu Oginga has assured Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of the party’s ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 if he wins in the nominations.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 28, Oburu said Babu should not be worried about being denied the party ticket.
The Siaya Senator urged Babu not to walk away from the party, assuring him that he will not be denied the ticket since he has been a loyal member of ODM.
“I don’t see any issue with Babu Owino. I have heard he is troubled, thinking ODM might block his bid for the Nairobi governor seat, but I don’t understand why he feels that way. If he wins the nominations, there’s absolutely no reason he wouldn’t get the ticket.
“He shouldn’t walk away. We want the Nairobi governor race to be open and competitive. There is no need for him to panic; we wouldn’t deny him the ticket, especially since he is one of us and has been a loyal ODM member for years,” said Oburu.
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The acting ODM leader also said he will hold a meeting with the Embakasi East lawmaker to personally assure him of the party’s support.
“We are looking for strong, visionary, and dynamic leaders, and Babu fits that. If he earns it through the proper process, ODM will back him,” Oburu added.
“I am confident I will reach him. I have already sent people to set up a meeting. I will speak to him personally and assure him there’s no need to worry; everything is still on track.”
This comes days after Babu voiced his frustrations over what he perceives as unfair treatment within the ODM party.
Speaking on October 15, the MP questioned why his loyalty and commitment seem unappreciated despite years of service.
Babu revealed that Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka had offered him a senior leadership role, a move that has made him reflect on how he is valued in his own political home.
"I haven't yet joined the Wiper party. Kalonzo said, 'Babu, if you come to the Wiper party, I'll make you the Deputy Party Leader.' Which means they wish me well, so why is it that in my own house, ODM, I'm not wished well? Even a polling station chairman position, I can't be given?" he posed.
The ODM MP also appeared to acknowledge that his chances of securing an ODM ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 may be diminishing, citing recent political developments as evidence.
"I'm a politician. I saw my brother Sakaja being endorsed at the 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," Babu added.
