Babu Owino Signals ODM Exit as He Announces New National Party Ahead of 2027 Election
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has fuelled speculation over his political future after signalling that he is preparing to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and launch a new national political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The outspoken legislator made the announcement during an interview on a local podcast aired on Thursday, July 23, saying the new political outfit is in its final stages and will soon be officially unveiled.
According to Owino, the party will not be built around one region or community but will instead seek to unite leaders from across Kenya under a national agenda.
“Babu Owino ni party leader. Chama inakuja very soon,” he declared.
Leadership structure revealed
Owino disclosed that the party’s leadership has already been carefully structured to reflect regional inclusivity.
He said the Secretary-General will come from the Western region, while the party chairperson will be selected from either the Central or Coast region to ensure a balanced national leadership.
The MP further revealed that Siaya Governor James Orengo is expected to serve as the party’s patron.
“Tuko na baba wetu Orengo atakuwa Patron wa chama… Hii chama itabeba wana-Coast, itabeba wana-Central Region, itabeba wana-North Eastern, itabeba kabila zote. Hii si regional party. Hii ni national party,” Owino said.
He also disclosed that the party’s deputy leader has already been identified through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, although he declined to reveal the individual’s identity.
When asked whether the political outfit would effectively become his personal vehicle because he would serve as party leader, Owino rejected the suggestion.
“This is our party. There is no ‘my party’,” he responded.
Fresh questions over ODM future
Owino’s remarks are likely to intensify speculation about growing divisions within ODM as several leaders linked to the opposition’s Linda Mwananchi movement continue to chart an independent political path ahead of the 2027 elections.
The announcement comes only days after former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo disclosed that the Linda Mwananchi movement intends to transform itself into a fully-fledged political party before the end of the year.
Odhiambo, who has associated herself with the Edwin Sifuna-led political movement, said preparations for the party are at an advanced stage, although its final name has not yet been settled.
“The party might not necessarily bear the name Linda Mwananchi, but we intend to unveil it soon, this year,” she said.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has previously announced plans to formally break away from ODM as part of a wider reorganisation of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
If officially launched, Owino’s new party would represent one of the most significant political realignments within Kenya’s opposition, potentially reshaping alliances as leaders position themselves for the next presidential contest.
Also Read: High Court Convicts Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado Over Sharon Otieno Murder