Babu Owino Drops Bombshell, Says ODM Is “Dead” and Hints at New Party

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has once again brought up political discussions following his declaration of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is dead and suggesting future plans of forming another political vehicle or aligning with one.

Speaking on Monday, May 4, 2026, Babu Owino said the Linda Mwananchi faction is working to have a political party ahead of the next election.

The outspoken legislator, long associated with ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga, suggested that the party no longer reflects its original identity, using vivid metaphors to describe what he sees as its decline.

“So I can clearly tell you for the yellow outfits, but ODM does not exist. The ODM that I know is not the same, its current name, is lemon, because there’s a problem. ODM. Saizi tukona lemon, si orange anymore,” Owino stated.

Formation of New Political Platform

Owino stated that he belongs to an extended group called “Linda Mwananchi” working towards forming a new political platform.

He explained that political parties are just tools, adding that votes depend on the performance of the individuals rather than the political parties they belong to.

“I want to tell you that as Linda Mwananchi, we are working on something that should propel us because party is just a vehicle, as I always say,” he explained.

He cited examples of politicians who have successfully switched parties or run as independents, including former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, to highlight his point about political flexibility and voter behavior.

“We saw Professor Kivuta Kibwana left Mungano party and went to Wiper. He was still elected. We saw governors elected as independent candidates,” Owino said.

Also Read:Oburu Addresses Sifuna and Babu Owino as Talks of the Future of ODM

2032 Presidential Ambitions

In one of the most striking moments, Owino hinted at a long-term presidential ambition, suggesting that his political trajectory is already mapped out toward the 2032 general election.

“As Babu Owino, I said very well that baada ya baba ni babu. So whoever we are going to choose as Linda mwananchi, we want that person to serve for one term. Then awachie Babu apige two terms,” he declared.

“As of today, I’m so focused on Nairobi, then in 2032, zoea rais wako mapema,” Babu added.

Also Read:Irungu Kang’ata Sets Conditions to Join Gachagua After Dumping UDA

Nairobi Focus and Development Promises

Owino also addressed local governance issues, particularly infrastructure development in Nairobi.

He pledged to personally intervene in the construction of Church Road, despite it being under county jurisdiction led by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

“Church Road is a county government road, but I want to help Governor Sakaja, and in the next one month, construction works will commence in that place, I assure you,” he said.

In a mix of political critique and defense, he added:

“By the way, hold me to account for that, but let me help my brother. You know he needs help a lot.”

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