Babu Owino Fights Back Against Claims of Fallout With Raila’s Family

The political temperature within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains high following weeks of murmurs concerning internal divisions and the future leadership structure. At the centre of the latest public drama is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has been forced to publicly address widespread claims of a bitter fallout with the family of the late former party leader, Raila Odinga.

Taking to his social media on Monday, December 15, the outspoken legislator categorically dismissed the circulating rumours that he had insulted the Odinga family, particularly the family matriarch, Mama Ida Odinga. Owino used the opportunity to reinforce his personal bond with her.

“Mama Ida loves me like her own son, welcomes me home, and gives me food whenever I visit her. I can never insult such a mum. She’s been good to me, and I love her,” Owino stated. He further emphasized the close personal ties he maintains with the younger Odinga generation, including Winnie Odinga, Rosemary Odinga, and Junior (Raila Odinga Jnr), arguing that insulting their mother would be both illogical and deeply disrespectful.

Owino’s statement comes precisely one week after an intriguing sequence of events at the burial of Raila Odinga’s sister, Beryl Odinga, in Bondo. It was at the funeral on Saturday, December 6, that Winnie Odinga publicly acknowledged Babu Owino’s presence, despite what some perceived as a silent snub from other party officials.

Winnie used the moment to send a clear message about internal party unity, stating that members must accept and be united “even those whom you don’t like.” She then specifically introduced Babu Owino as “a friend of mine” and “one of us.”

Babu Owino quickly and gratefully responded to Winnie’s gesture via social media on December 7. However, his appreciation came with a sharp political edge, as he implied that certain individuals present at the burial had attempted to silence him or exclude him from the proceedings.

“Thank you, Winney Odinga. You are such a darling. You could see through their dark hearts,” the MP wrote. This comment fuelled the ongoing speculation that the rift is not with the Odinga family itself, but with a faction of senior party leaders who are increasingly viewing the youthful MP’s ambition and independent streak as a threat.

Since the passing of Raila Odinga, Babu Owino has been firmly in the eye of the ODM political storm. His recent actions and comments suggest a calculated attempt to secure his position within the party’s inner circle, leveraging his strong personal relationship with the Odinga family—specifically Mama Ida and Winnie—to counter resistance from party power brokers.

The ongoing public statements and counter-narratives confirm that the questions around party unity and the succession plan within ODM are far from settled.