“If You Win Nominations , The ODM Ticket Is Yours” – Oburu Reassures Babu Owino

Acting ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has moved to calm rising tensions in the party, assuring Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that he has nothing to fear in the race for the Nairobi gubernatorial ticket. Oburu dismissed speculation suggesting Owino could be denied the party’s nomination, emphasizing a fair and transparent contest.

Speaking on Ramogi TV Tuesday night, Oburu urged all aspirants to compete openly. “I see nothing wrong with Babu Owino, though I hear he may have concerns,” Oburu said. “I don’t know why he thinks he cannot get the ODM ticket. If he wins the nominations, the ticket is his. So, there’s no reason for him to run away from the party.”

He encouraged candidates to prepare for a straightforward battle. “Anyone aiming for the Nairobi Governor seat should declare and compete openly. Nobody can take the ticket away if you win, provided you are a member of the party,” he said. Oburu revealed that he is actively trying to meet Owino to personally reassure him. “I haven’t found him yet, but I’ve sent people to reach him. I’ll speak with him soon so he can stay calm and confident,” he added.

On ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has faced criticism for mixed messages, Oburu expressed confidence in his loyalty. “Sifuna read out the resolutions after our Monday meeting. He is with us. Sometimes, as a young leader, he may get a bit restless, but there’s no reason to remove him. Any minor misstep will be handled internally,” Oburu explained.

Oburu also weighed in on the succession of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the Luo community’s political leader, emphasizing that leadership cannot be appointed. “There’s no formal forum to elect a Luo kingpin. Leadership will naturally emerge. A young leader will rise to fill Raila’s space. If we handpick someone who the people don’t accept, it will fail,” he noted.

His remarks signal ODM’s commitment to internal democracy while acknowledging a generational shift in leadership. With the Nairobi gubernatorial race approaching, Owino and other aspirants are encouraged to contest openly, ensuring a credible and fair nomination process for all.