Babu Owino Addresses Claims He’s Got Indian Heritage, Shares Family History
The controversy gained traction after Owino signaled interest in emerging as a leading political figure among the Luo community following the eventual retirement or absence of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga. His remarks triggered online debate, with some critics questioning his lineage and others alleging that his father was not Luo.
MP traces origins to Siaya
“I come from Yimbo, a place called Got Matar. I am the son of Kachweji,” he said, expressing surprise that the issue continued to attract public attention.
Owino attributed the speculation partly to his lighter complexion, which he said had led some observers to assume foreign ancestry.
“Haven’t these people seen a light-skin Luo man? When you see a light-skin Luo you start saying he is from Mumbai,” he remarked.
He further argued that the claims were politically motivated and tied to competition over future leadership within the community.
Points to family gravesite
To support his assertion, the MP said his father, Dominic Owino, is buried in Got Matar and that the family homestead remains there, inviting sceptics to verify the information themselves.
“You will find my father’s grave, and our home is also there,” he stated.
“When I was doing politics, why did they never ask where I came from? Why now and selectively?” he asked.
He also alleged that certain bloggers and political actors were amplifying the rumours for strategic reasons, though he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Succession politics cited
Observers say the debate reflects broader uncertainty over future leadership within ODM and the Luo political landscape, historically dominated by Raila Odinga for decades.
Owino suggested that the controversy was fueled by succession dynamics rather than genuine concern about his identity.
“Those things come because of succession politics,” he said, dismissing the allegations as distractions from substantive national issues.
Separate remarks on party leadership
In a related development, Owino recently issued a cryptic message following the endorsement of Winnie Odinga as the party’s fourth deputy leader by ODM’s Nairobi branch after Raila Odinga’s passing.
Using a metaphor comparing a “pond” to an “ocean,” he appeared to caution against limiting political ambitions to narrow alliances, urging alignment with a broader vision. Analysts interpreted the statement as reflecting internal competition over the party’s future direction.
Despite being floated for the influential Secretary-General position, Owino reportedly declined the role, reiterating that his primary interest lies in higher leadership within the party.
Public reactions mixed
Online reactions to his clarification have been varied, with supporters praising his openness while critics argue that identity debates divert attention from policy matters affecting citizens.
For now, Owino maintains that his heritage is firmly rooted in Siaya County and that questions about his ancestry should not overshadow pressing national concerns.
“I am not going to justify and explain where I come from,” he said, signalling his intention to move past the controversy and focus on his political agenda.
As discussions about succession intensify within ODM and beyond, figures like Babu Owino are likely to face continued scrutiny — both for their political ambitions and their personal backgrounds — in a landscape where identity and leadership remain closely intertwined
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Babu Owino Addresses Claims He’s Got Indian Heritage, Shares Family History
