Babu Owino Claims of Plans To Attack Him Ahead of Raila’s Funeral

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has alleged that there is a plot to attack him ahead of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s funeral.

In a statement dated Friday, October 17, 2025, Babu claimed that he is aware of the plans and the orchestrators.

“There are plans to attack me on or before the day of Baba’s burial. I am aware of the culprits behind the scheme.,” Babu stated.

Babu further alleged that those people are planning to attack him to cause unwarranted violence in Raila Odinga’s funeral.

“It is my prayer that we give Baba the befitting send-off that he deserves, devoid of unwarranted violence,” said Babu.

The former Prime Minister’s funeral service will be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds on Sunday, October 19, 2025, and the Embakasi East legislator has expressed interest in attending to pay his last respects.

Since the formation of the broad-based government spearheaded by President William Ruto and the late Prime Minister, Babu Owino has found himself at loggerheads with several ODM party members over his criticism of the coalition government, which ODM is part of. They have accused him of being disloyal to the party.

His criticism of President Ruto’s administration has drawn backlash from several ODM leaders, including Kileleshwa MCARobert Alai, Treasury CS John Mbadi and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.

Besides his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Babu Owino, who is seen as the apparent heir to Raila Odinga in Luo Nyanza politics, has reportedly unsettled some ODM officials, especially after the death of the former Prime Minister.

Some political analysts have positioned Babu as Raila Odinga’s potential successor in Luo Nyanza politics.

During a media interview on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Babu declared that once Raila Odinga exits politics, he would be ready to take over the leadership mantle of Luo Nyanza when asked whether he intends to succeed Raila.

“Na tunasema baada ya Raila ni Babu. Baba ndiye ako kwa kiti, lakini baada ya Baba ni Babu. Na tunasema huyu ni Babu wa Baba,” Babu said.

However, Babu clarified that he could not replace Raila while he is still alive but emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of leadership.

Treasury CS John Mbadi, during the burial of the late MP Dalmas Otieno, argued that Babu lacks the political experience required to contest for a serious leadership position.

In response, Babu criticized the CS for describing him as inexperienced, insisting that he is capable of taking up Raila Odinga’s leadership mantle when the time comes.