Oburu dismisses favouritism claims, assures Babu Owino of fair ODM nominations in 2027 Nairobi governor contest

ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga holds a meeting with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on October 30, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, November 3, 2025

Oburu dismissed claims that Babu’s ambitions could be blocked, saying the party would ensure a fair nomination process and that no aspirant would be denied a chance if they win support from party members.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has singled out Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino as a potential candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, easing tensions within the party that had surfaced over succession debates and perceived favouritism.

Speaking during an interview with NTV, Oburu dismissed claims that Babu’s ambitions could be blocked, saying the party would ensure a fair nomination process and that no aspirant would be denied a chance if they win support from party members.

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Babu had previously raised concerns over a plot to deny him the ODM ticket for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race. However, Oburu reassured him, emphasising that nominations would be fair and transparent.

“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino. I do not know why he believes he cannot be given the ODM ticket. If he wins the nominations, he will get the ticket,” he said.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth leadership, dismissing claims of generational divisions.

“Personally, I believe in youth leadership, which is why I’m called the Gen Z youth leader. Young leaders are taking over the party. I don’t see the old generation discriminating against the younger members. My goal is to unite the party, allow youth to rise, and maintain a vibrant internal democracy,” he said.

Oburu also dismissed concerns that the party would support Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for the race, saying he is not a member of ODM. This comes a few months after the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in conjunction with President William Ruto, intervened to stop an impeachment attempt against Sakaja by Nairobi County Assembly members.

Oburu noted that the party’s approach remains principled, with positions decided through transparent nominations rather than favouritism.

“The party has three methods of nomination: consensus, stretch, or direct membership nomination. Where there is consensus, the party persuades contestants to avoid internal fights and focus resources against other parties. If they don’t agree, then nomination processes follow. This should apply to Nairobi as well. I don’t know of any formal relationship between Sakaja and our party that would affect our members,” he said.

Oburu emphasised that the party will continue to ensure fair competition in all nominations, allowing merit and popular support to determine leadership, while nurturing young leaders to carry forward Raila’s political legacy.

The Siaya Senator further dismissed concerns that Babu had disrespected the burial of Raila Odinga after members of the public cheered on him, noting that such incidents were more about perception than intent.

He explained that there was no evidence of any deliberate disrespect toward the late leader, emphasising the importance of being sensitive to people’s emotions during such emotional moments.

He added that the party’s focus should be on unity, inclusion and ensuring that young leaders like Babu are allowed to compete fairly within ODM.

“I don’t think any stupid person would think of disrespecting the family. If people shouted ‘Babu, Babu,’ that could have happened, but it’s more a matter of perception and sympathy for the weak. Personally, I would like to bring him on board and make him feel part of the party. The best should win through fair competition,” he said.