Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has denied claims that he plans to ditch the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party. Speaking on Wednesday morning during an interview on Radio Citizen, the outspoken lawmaker clarified that his close relationship with the former Vice President is purely personal and political, not an indication of defection.
Babu expressed disappointment that some within ODM were labelling him a rebel simply because he maintains communication with Kalonzo, who remains a senior figure in the Azimio la Umoja coalition. “Up to now, Kalonzo has always communicated with Raila Odinga. He calls Raila, and Raila calls him back. If Raila and Kalonzo communicate, what is wrong when I communicate with Kalonzo?” he posed.
He further defended Kalonzo, saying there was no wrongdoing in associating with him. “Even if you put politics aside, what has Kalonzo done bad? So by just communicating with Kalonzo now, people have begun saying that I have started being rude,” Babu added.
The legislator’s clarification follows his recent public endorsement of Kalonzo Musyoka as the most suitable candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Elections. During a rally on September 29, Babu lauded Kalonzo for his loyalty to Raila Odinga during the last election despite not being chosen as the running mate.
Drawing parallels to the 2020 U.S. elections, Babu remarked that Kenyans should be motivated to vote out the current regime rather than vote for an individual. “In 2020, Americans came out not to vote for Joe Biden but to vote out Trump. Likewise, in 2002, Kenyans came out to vote out Moi,” he stated.
Babu Owino reaffirmed his commitment to the Azimio coalition and dismissed the ongoing speculations as political propaganda fueled by misunderstandings within the opposition camp.
