Babu Owino has thrown down the gauntlet in the Orange Democratic Movement, declaring war on party leaders after what he calls the illegal removal of Edwin Sifuna as secretary general. This bold move has everyone in Kenyan politics paying close attention.
Just a few days ago, on February 12, 2026, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stepped up to a bank of microphones in Nairobi. He wasn’t holding back. Flanked by supporters, he blasted the ODM National Executive Committee’s decision to boot Sifuna out of his key role.
“War has been declared,” Owino said flatly, his face set in determination. He argued the whole process broke the party’s own rules, pointing out that the committee wasn’t even properly put together to make such a call. It’s the kind of statement that could split the party wide open, especially with elections on the horizon.
Let’s back up a bit. The drama started when the ODM NEC met and decided to shake things up. They removed Edwin Sifuna from the ODM SG position.
Now, Owino is framing this as an attack on leaders who fight for the little guy. He told reporters there’s no way people holding “illegal” positions can kick out someone who’s legitimately known. ” The only mistake Sifuna made was standing up for the poor and against injustice,” Owino added in one of his fiery remarks.
Owino didn’t stop there. He warned that he and his allies won’t sit idle. They’re ready to challenge this in court or through party channels – whatever it takes. This isn’t just talk; Owino has a history of stirring the pot.
Remember, he’s the guy who rose from student leader at the University of Nairobi to a two-term MP. He’s built a reputation as a no-nonsense politician who connects with young voters, especially Gen Z.
In fact, just recently, he was speaking at the iSPEAK Convention in Westlands, rubbing shoulders with big names like PLO Lumumba and addressing crowds about the future. There, he even laid out his own ambitions: aiming for Nairobi governor in 2027 and the presidency in 2032.
The timing couldn’t be more charged. Kenya’s political scene is heating up as we edge toward 2027. ODM, led by Raila Odinga, has been a powerhouse in opposition politics. But internal rifts like this could weaken it at a bad moment.
Some see Owino’s stand as a play for more power within the party. Others think it’s genuine outrage. Either way, it’s got social media lit up. On X, users are posting everything from support for Owino to memes about party elders clinging to control. One post even tied it to broader frustrations, like fuel prices dropping but people still feeling the pinch – though that’s a side note.
Sources spoke with a few insiders who follow ODM closely. One, who didn’t want their name out there, said this feud highlights a generational clash. Younger leaders like Owino and Sifuna want fresh ideas, while veterans prefer the status quo.
“Babu is positioning himself as the voice of change,” they told sources. “But crossing the bigwigs could backfire.” Another pointed out that Owino’s base in Embakasi East is solid, full of urban youth who admire his direct style. He’s handed out bursaries, fixed roads, and even jumped into community disputes.
Sifuna, for his part, hasn’t been quiet either. Though ousted, he’s likely to fight back. The senator has a huge following online and in Nairobi circles. Together, he and Owino could rally a bloc that challenges the party’s top brass.
But will Raila step in? That’s the big question. No. The death of Raila messed up ODM top brass. The late former prime minister has navigated these storms before. But can Oburu Oginga salvage the situation?
This story is unfolding fast. Owino addressed Gen Z at another event, urging them to get involved in politics.
He said things like, “We’ve been watching you,” echoing his own rise from the streets. It’s motivational stuff, but in the context of this war declaration, it feels like he’s building an army of supporters.
What does this mean for Kenyan politics? If ODM fractures, it could hand advantages to rivals like the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance. Voters are tired of infighting; they want results on jobs, healthcare, and security.
Owino knows that. In his presser, he tied the ouster to bigger issues, like silencing voices that call out wrongs in society.
As of now, there is no official response from the ODM leadership on Owino’s threats. But expect more fireworks. Babu Owino isn’t one to back down easily.
He’s already eyeing that governor’s seat, and this could be his way of clearing the path. For Kenyans watching, it’s a reminder that politics here is never dull – always full of twists, alliances, and yes, declarations of war.
In the end, this might just reshape ODM for the better or tear it apart. Either way, Babu Owino is at the centre, and he’s not going anywhere quietly.
