Babu Owino Warns Sakaja Against Joining ODM After Raila’s Endorsement: “Hata Akishinda Tutaiba”

Babu Owino Warns Sakaja Against Joining ODM After Raila’s Endorsement: “Hata Akishinda Tutaiba”

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s leadership has received an unexpected endorsement from Azimio leader Raila Odinga, sparking intense debate ahead of the 2027 General Election. The endorsement, made during a prayer event for Raila’s African Union (AU) chairmanship bid, has not sat well with some ODM loyalists.

Babu Owino Opposes Raila’s Move

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, known for his bold statements, strongly rejected Raila’s support for Sakaja. He accused the Nairobi governor of betraying Raila in previous elections and questioned his loyalty to ODM.

“Let us not support Sakaja. He opposed Baba in 2013. When Raila wanted to run for the presidency, who was the chairman of TNA? Did he not oppose him?” Babu questioned, referring to Sakaja’s past role in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA) party.

The outspoken MP also blamed Sakaja for allegedly convincing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to shift allegiance from Raila in 2022. “Who convinced Mudavadi to abandon Raila? Did Sakaja not play a role in that? Why should we now plead with someone who abandoned us?” he added.

Sakaja’s Political Past Sparks Reactions

Babu Owino’s fierce opposition stems from Sakaja’s history with Raila’s rivals. The governor, once a key ally of the Jubilee government, was instrumental in rallying support for President William Ruto and other Kenya Kwanza leaders. Many ODM supporters now feel uneasy about Raila’s apparent change of heart towards him.

During the AU prayer event, Raila praised Sakaja’s leadership and signaled a possible political alliance. The endorsement led to speculation that Sakaja might seek re-election under ODM in 2027. However, Babu Owino vowed to resist any attempts to bring Sakaja into the party.

“Even If He Wins, We Will Take the Votes”

Babu went further, claiming Sakaja is a weak candidate and even suggesting they would manipulate the election if necessary.

“And he is a very weak person. I don’t even know why Polycarp Igathe didn’t defeat him. Even if he wins, we will take the votes away from him,” he declared.

His remarks ignited debate among Kenyans, with some agreeing with his concerns while others criticized his statements on election malpractice.

ODM’s Internal Rifts Grow

Babu Owino’s defiance highlights growing divisions within ODM as the party prepares for the next elections. While Raila’s endorsement of Sakaja signals a possible new strategy, it also threatens to alienate some of his most loyal supporters.

Whether Raila sticks to his endorsement or bows to pressure remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—ODM’s internal politics are heating up.

ALSO READ: Raila Odinga Endorses Sakaja’s Leadership as Governor Hints at Joining ODM Ahead of 2027 Poll

Babu Owino Warns Sakaja Against Joining ODM After Raila’s Endorsement: “Hata Akishinda Tutaiba”