Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had seemingly believed that his loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and his growing popularity in Nairobi would easily earn him a direct ticket for the governor’s race in 2027.
For months, he has spoken with confidence, openly projecting himself as the face of ODM’s youthful leadership and one of the strongest contenders for City Hall.
However, ODM acting party leader Oburu Odinga’s recent remarks on Ramogi TV have made it clear that Babu’s path to the ticket will not be automatic.
Oburu stated that the party would only grant the ticket to whoever wins fairly through a transparent nomination process, subtly reminding Babu that he must still prove himself within the party structures.
During the interview, Oburu dismissed claims that Babu might be denied the ticket unfairly, instead advising him to remain patient and loyal to ODM.
“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are some issues that may be troubling him,” Oburu said.
“I do not think there can be any reason to deny him the ticket if he wins the nominations. If he wins, he will get it, so let him not run away from the party.” His words appeared supportive on the surface, but they also hinted that Babu was not immune from the internal politics that often define ODM nominations.
The message was clear there will be no special treatment or shortcuts.Oburu further emphasized that all aspirants interested in the Nairobi governor’s seat should face each other openly during the primaries rather than running to other parties.
“Anyone who wants the party ticket in the Nairobi Governor race should just declare and square it out openly among each other. Let nobody run away because they think they will be denied a chance,” he said.
The statement was seen by many as a gentle but firm warning to Babu, who has occasionally expressed frustration over ODM’s internal democracy.
Babu has been working hard to present himself as part of the next generation of ODM leadership, especially after the death of Raila Odinga, who for decades was the face of the party. His ambition to take over Nairobi’s leadership has intensified, with rallies and public engagements showing his confidence in succeeding Sakaja.
Yet, Oburu’s comments may have cooled some of that momentum, signaling that the ODM ticket will not simply be handed to him as he might have expected.
Oburu also used the interview to address questions about Raila’s succession, saying leadership within the Luo community and the party would evolve naturally.
“A kingpin will sprout out of nowhere like a mushroom; someone will just emerge and take Raila’s space, but not from his agemates like myself,” he remarked.
The statement indirectly placed Babu among those who might rise, but again with the condition that acceptance by the people, not endorsement, would determine leadership.
Although Oburu said he had not met Babu personally, he mentioned that he had sent emissaries to engage him, urging him to stay calm and committed to ODM.
For Babu, this may be both reassurance and a reminder that he is still under observation from the party’s senior ranks.
The race for City Hall is shaping into one of the most competitive yet. Governor Johnson Sakaja, who survived an impeachment attempt with the help of both President Ruto and Raila Odinga, remains a strong contender.
Other figures such as former PS Irungu Nyakera, former CS Moses Kuria, and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya have also shown interest.
Babu Owino’s challenge will now be to convince ODM’s leadership and grassroots supporters that he deserves the ticket not because of his loyalty or youth, but through a clear and fair victory in the nominations.
What seemed like an easy path for Babu may now turn into a fierce internal contest. ODM’s message is that no one, not even its most vocal member, will get the Nairobi ticket without facing the test of democracy.
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