Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has sought to ease tensions within the party by assuring Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino that he will be awarded the ODM ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race if he wins the party nominations.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday night, Oburu dismissed claims that the party could deny Babu the ticket, terming such fears unfounded.
“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are some issues that may be troubling him,” said Oburu. “If he wins the nominations, he will get the ticket. Let him not run away from the party.”
Oburu urged all ODM aspirants interested in the Nairobi Governor race to brace for a fair and transparent nomination process, assuring that no one would be unfairly sidelined.
“Anyone who wants the ODM ticket should declare and compete openly. Nobody can take the ticket away from you if you win it and you’re a party member,” he emphasized.
The ODM leader revealed that he has been trying to reach Babu personally to reassure him of the party’s stance and encourage him to remain calm.
Turning to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has faced criticism for his remarks on party matters, Oburu defended him, describing Sifuna as a loyal member who occasionally “goes a little overboard.”
“Sifuna has no problem. He is young and sometimes restless, but he is with us and will stay with us,” he stated.
On the question of who should succeed Raila Odinga as the Luo political kingpin, Oburu said leadership cannot be handpicked.
“A Luo kingpin will emerge naturally. It cannot be predetermined or appointed,” he concluded.
