ODM at 20: Babu Owino warns of mass action over cost of living, questions new appointments

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino used the platform of the Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) 20th-anniversary celebration on Saturday to issue a forceful challenge to both the government and his own party's hierarchy.

Speaking at the historic Mama Ngina Waterfront, the MP first took aim at the national administration, issuing a stern warning against the continued rise in the cost of living and education fees.

The celebration was primarily dedicated to commemorating the party's journey and honouring the late party founder, Raila Amolo Odinga.

In his tribute, Owino described the departed leader using metaphors of foundational support: "Baba Raila Amolo Odinga was a bridge, he was a bridge that everybody, every leader who is seated here used to cross over the turbulent waters... They used the bridge to cross over the sharks and crocodiles," said Owino.

He acknowledged the finality of Raila’s political era: "Baba was a ladder, a ladder that we used to climb to high levels. That ladder is no more. Baba was a shield, and that shield is no more."

Owino also used the national platform to issue a stern warning to the national government, promising a return to mass action if the economic situation deteriorates.

"Baba Raila Amolo Odinga, I want to assure you that your spirit shall live on. I want to assure Baba, wherever he is, that if the cost of living goes up, we will go for demonstrations. If school fees go up, we will go for demonstrations, whether they like it or not," he vowed, reaffirming the ODM's traditional role as the voice of opposition against economic hardship.

Owino publicly questioned the party’s decision-making process regarding recent key appointments, suggesting that he has been overlooked.

"Yesterday (on Friday), I saw our ODM leaders being given seats. Congratulations, but allow me to ask a question, bosses: Did you look at this Babu and see that he is not capable of anything? So, think about that," he stated.

This comes as the National Governing Council approved Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader, alongside deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati, and Godfrey Osotsi. Other approvals included vice chairpersons Otiende Amollo and Ariko Namoit, Deputy Organising Secretary Ruth Odinga, and Secretary of Political Affairs Rosa Buyu, ahead of final ratification at the National Delegates Convention.

In that event, Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna moved decisively, offering a public pledge of loyalty to the newly approved Party Leader, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Odinga.

"I want to give you assurance that the way I was a loyal secretary general to your Brother, Raila Odinga, tutafanya na wewe kazi kwa kipamoja ili kuweza kuinua chama hiki, kiweze kufika mahali ambapo Baba alikua anataka kifike," Sifuna declared.

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