Has Babu Owino Broken Ranks with Raila Odinga?

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has set Kenyan politics ablaze with his bold defiance of ODM party leader Raila Odinga. Babu, who aspires to become Nairobi’s governor in 2027, has shunned ODM meetings, sparking rumors of a fallout.

Meanwhile, Raila’s growing alliance with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has added fuel to the fire.

The drama has left political analysts speculating: has Raila shifted loyalties? And could Babu’s political rebellion reshape Kenya’s 2027 election landscape?

Is Babu Owino frustrated by Raila’s alliance with Sakaja?

Raila Odinga’s recent collaboration with Johnson Sakaja is raising eyebrows. The governor, once seen as a political outsider, has now found favor with Raila.

From attending the AUC Mjadala Debate in Addis Ababa together to private meetings at Raila’s rural home in Bondo, their relationship is blossoming.

Political analysts see this as Raila preparing for 2027 by aligning with Sakaja, who has worked closely with ODM members in Nairobi’s leadership.

Raila’s conspicuous absence from Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi’s mother’s funeral further deepened the intrigue.

Wanyonyi, who hopes to run for Nairobi’s top seat in 2027, expected Raila’s endorsement. However, the snub has cast doubts on Raila’s support, especially considering Wanyonyi’s family ties to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, a key ally of President Ruto.

Owino’s Rebellion and Battle for Political Survival

Babu Owino is charting a bold, independent course. After years of loyalty to ODM, he has hinted at forming his own party for the 2027 elections.

A leaked Facebook post revealed Babu’s frustrations with ODM’s current dynamics, despite his respect for Raila. “With or without ODM, my future is bright,” Babu declared. His defiance stems from Raila’s perceived closeness to Ruto, whom Babu vehemently opposes.

Babu has also criticized ODM leaders defending Ruto’s policies and condemned state officers for abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters.

His opposition to Ruto-Raila talks and the inclusion of ODM members in Ruto’s government showcases his unyielding stance against what he sees as betrayal.

The Road to 2027: Political Tensions Heat Up

As Raila and Sakaja grow closer and Babu distances himself from ODM, Nairobi’s 2027 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle.

Tim Wanyonyi’s aspirations, too, hang in the balance, with his loyalty to Raila now in question. Will Raila back Sakaja for the city’s top seat? Or is a reconciliation with Wanyonyi or even Babu possible?

One thing is clear: Babu Owino is not waiting for anyone’s blessing. His fiery rhetoric and refusal to back down signal a political landscape in flux. As 2027 approaches, Kenyan politics promises to be anything but predictable.