Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has sought to defuse growing tensions within the party, assuring members that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino will face no unfair hurdles in his quest for the Nairobi gubernatorial ticket.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday night, Dr. Oburu dismissed speculation that the party leadership could sideline Babu Owino, emphasizing that the nomination process would be open, transparent, and merit-based.
“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are some issues troubling him,” Dr. Oburu said. “If he wins the ODM nominations, he will get the ticket. There’s no reason to fear being denied the opportunity.”
He urged all aspirants eyeing the ODM ticket for the Nairobi governorship to declare their interest openly and compete fairly, noting that no one would be unjustly denied a chance.
“Anyone who wants the ticket should come forward and face their competitors. Nobody should run away because they fear unfair treatment if you win, you will get the ticket,” he assured.
Dr. Oburu also revealed that he has been attempting to reach out to Babu Owino personally to calm his concerns and reaffirm the party’s commitment to fairness.
“I have not found him yet, but I’m looking for him,” he said. “I’ve sent people to reach out so we can have a conversation and I can assure him there’s no cause for alarm.”
On Edwin Sifuna’s Role
Addressing recent criticism directed at ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has been accused of sending mixed signals in his official and personal statements, Dr. Oburu maintained that there was no internal discord.
“Sifuna is the one who read the party’s resolutions after our meeting. I have spoken to him, and there’s no problem,” he explained. “He’s a young, energetic leader sometimes he may get a bit overexcited, but he remains loyal to the party. If he strays, we’ll correct him as one of our own.”
On Raila Odinga’s Successor
Dr. Oburu also weighed in on the debate surrounding who should succeed the late Raila Odinga as the next Luo political kingpin, saying leadership of that stature cannot be handpicked or predetermined.
“There’s no forum where a Luo kingpin is elected,” he said. “Such leadership emerges naturally someone will rise and take Raila’s place, but not from his agemates like myself.”
He added that a new generation of leaders is emerging, and the community will ultimately rally behind one of them.
“If we handpick someone and the people don’t accept him, he cannot be kingpin,” Dr. Oburu concluded.
