Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed claims that he is seeking the position of Secretary General in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), instead declaring his ambition for a higher office within the party.
The lawmaker has maintained that he wants to be the ODM party leader, the position that is currently held by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
Babu Owino argued that the Secretary General of ODM remains Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“I want to be the Party Leader, not Secretary General. The Secretary General remains Edwin Sifuna,” Babu Owino stated, responding to a controversial notice that had circulated online and was purportedly published in the Daily Nation.
The notice, which announced a Special National Delegates Conference (NDC), listed among its agenda the endorsement of Babu Owino for the powerful Secretary General position—sparking widespread debate across political circles and social media.
However, the outspoken legislator was quick to distance himself from the claims, framing the move as both misleading and inconsistent with his political ambitions.
His firm response has since fueled speculation about a potential leadership contest within ODM.
ODM Dismisses Notice as Fake
Amid the growing buzz, ODM swiftly disowned the notice, terming it fraudulent and warning members against being misled.
In a strongly worded rebuttal shared via social media, the party outlined several inconsistencies that, in its view, expose the notice as fake:
- The Party Leader does not sign notices convening National Delegates Conferences or similar meetings.
- A meeting of such magnitude cannot legally be called on less than 21 days’ notice.
- The Daily Nation has no record of publishing the alleged notice.
“FAKE on arrival,” ODM declared, shutting down the authenticity of the document.
Known for his bold political style and strong grassroots appeal, Babu Owino has increasingly positioned himself as a key voice among the party’s younger generation.
His latest remarks are likely to intensify internal discussions on the future of ODM leadership, especially as questions linger over the party’s direction in the coming years amid wrangles.
