Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has raised alarm over President William Ruto’s growing cooperation with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), claiming it is a calculated move to weaken the opposition party.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Wednesday evening, Babu accused the Head of State of “pretending” to work with ODM while secretly aiming to dismantle it.
“Ruto is pretending to work with ODM, but deep down, he wants to finish the party from within. Ruto is not working with the ODM party in good spirits,” the youthful MP warned.
Call for Caution in Broad-Based Cooperation
Babu Owino noted that while his concerns might appear critical of his own party, they were a call for caution. He urged ODM politicians supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration to reconsider their stance and revert to their oversight roles.
The legislator referenced remarks by Raila Odinga, who recently affirmed that ODM remains an independent party with the freedom to field its own presidential candidate in 2027. According to Babu, this reinforced the need for the party to safeguard its role in the opposition even as some members cooperate with government.
Rift Over Nairobi Gubernatorial Race
Babu Owino further revealed that he had come to terms with the reality that ODM would not back his 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions. He alleged that the party leadership had already thrown its weight behind current Governor Johnson Sakaja, whom Raila Odinga defended from impeachment efforts.
“I am very sure I will not be given the ODM nomination ticket for the gubernatorial race because ODM leaders recently endorsed Sakaja,” Babu remarked.
Balancing Government and Opposition
The MP concluded by stressing that while ODM could engage in broad-based governance, it must equally maintain its opposition influence to protect its political future.
