A new survey from Infotrak shows Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as the top choice to succeed the late Raila Odinga in leading the Luo community and the Orange Democratic Movement party. The poll came out on December 28, 2025, and it has people talking about changes in Luo politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Infotrak asked 1,000 adults from all 47 counties who they think should take over from Raila as the main face of the movement. Babu Owino, whose full name is Paul Ongili Owino, got 33 percent. Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and current ODM leader, came second with 10 percent. Others, like Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga, each got just 1 per cent.
A big part of the respondents, 37 per cent, said they were not sure yet. That points to some uncertainty in the community after Raila’s death in October 2025.
Babu Owino is 36 years old. He is known for his strong speeches and support for young people. He stays loyal to ODM but sometimes speaks out against parts of the broad-based government that include ODM ministers. The poll shows his strongest backing in Nairobi at 49 per cent. Western Kenya gave him 35 per cent, Rift Valley 33 per cent, and even in Nyanza, Raila’s home area, he got 32 per cent.
Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, while getting treatment in India. He had been a major figure in Kenyan politics for decades, running for president five times and helping shape the opposition. His death left a gap, and talks about who comes next started right away.
Babu has been active in Nyanza lately, visiting areas and connecting with people. He has also said he wants to run for Nairobi governor in 2027. Some see that as building his base outside just Luo’s areas.
Not everyone agrees on succession. Oburu Odinga has been leading ODM since Raila’s passing. There are different groups inside the party, some closer to President William Ruto’s side and others pushing back.
The Infotrak poll used phone interviews to reach people across the country. It gives a national view, not just from Nyanza. Babu does well with younger voters and in cities.
With 2027 coming, the results could shape alliances. Luo votes have mattered a lot in past elections. Whoever steps up will need support from the community and beyond.
For now, Babu Owino stands out in the numbers. But politics changes fast, and many say no one gets picked formally. Leaders emerge over time.
People in Nyanza and across Kenya watch to see what happens next in ODM and Luo leadership.
