Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has said President William Ruto still lacks a credible grassroots leader in Luo Nyanza who can help him win over the region, following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a media interview on Friday, Orwoba noted that while the President has made visible efforts to reach out to Luo Nyanza leaders, most lack the authentic local support necessary to shift political dynamics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Ruto is looking for someone who can truly sway Luo Nyanza, but they lack grassroots support,” Orwoba said.
She identified Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as the only figures with genuine influence among the youth and ordinary voters. According to her, the two leaders have independent political brands strong enough to rally supporters outside traditional party structures.
“Other than Sifuna, Babu Owino, and maybe Caleb (Saboti MP), the rest wouldn’t deliver more than a single vote,” she remarked.
Orwoba added that if Babu Owino were to form his own party, it would attract massive support within weeks. “If Babu Owino started his own party, its membership would skyrocket within two weeks,” she said.
Her comments come amid heightened speculation over how Ruto plans to consolidate support in opposition strongholds following Raila’s death on October 15 in India, where he was receiving treatment.
Orwoba said the uncertainty within ODM offers a chance for a new generation of leaders to rise in Nyanza.
“It’s up to leaders like Babu to rise to the occasion and lead their people, especially now when ODM’s direction seems uncertain,” she added.
Her remarks highlight a growing debate over political succession and grassroots mobilisation in the post-Raila era.
