Kenyans woke up to fireworks in the opposition as Babu Owino warned ODM seniors with tough words that have everyone buzzing. The Embakasi East MP didn’t hold back during a charged rally in Busia today, telling top party figures straight up: if they betray the people, the grassroots will handle them.
It happened at the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Tour, a new push by majority younger leaders to rally ordinary supporters. Babu stood alongside heavyweights like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, firing shots at what he called a shift in ODM’s soul.
“The party we have now is ODM Limited,” he told the crowd. “It is a company that now focuses on making money.” He slammed colleagues for drifting from street activism to chasing deals, reminding everyone how protests forced change in the past – from policy shifts to big appointments.
Then came the line that’s spreading like wildfire: “I want to warn the ODM senior leadership, if you betray the party and its supporters, we will deal with you. ODM belongs to the people, not a few individuals.”
The crowd roared. Babu made it clear – this isn’t about personal beef; it’s about keeping the party true to its roots, owned by voters, not insiders looking for handouts.
This blows open wounds that started after Raila Odinga’s passing three months back. The man held ODM together for decades. Now, without him, it’s splitting wide.
Party leader Oburu Oginga – Raila’s brother – leads one side with rallies called Linda Ground. They want talks with President Ruto’s UDA, maybe even coalitions for 2027, saying it’s smart politics to stay in the game.
On the other hand, Sifuna and Babu push Linda Mwananchi, insisting ODM stays in opposition, fights for the people, and runs its own presidential candidate.
They’ve questioned where money for those big Linda Ground events comes from – helicopters, tents, branding – especially since the government still owes the party billions. Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister, has backed the rebels too, doubting any deal with Ruto would hold.
Babu’s warning today ramps things up. He’s been the loud voice for youth, always out protesting when others stay quiet. Losing security for joining demos, facing arrests – he’s walked the talk. Now he’s drawing a line: sell out the base, and face the consequences from below.
The tours keep rolling – parallel events in different counties, same orange colours but different messages. One protects party strongholds and eyes deals; the other protects citizens from tough policies and high costs.
No response yet from Oburu or his allies to Babu’s direct shot. But with these words out there, silence won’t cut it. ODM built its name on fighting the system, from multiparty days to recent marches. Losing that fire could cost big.
As 2027 looms, this rift tests everything. Can they patch up before votes? Or will the split-hand advantages go to the ruling side? Babu Owino warns ODM seniors loud and clear today — the people are watching, and they’re ready to act. Whatever comes next, Kenyan politics just got a whole lot hotter.
