Eugine Wabwile 
TANDAO MEDIA
A power struggle is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino demanding an immediate National Delegate Conference (NDC) to facilitate his ascension to the party leadership.
Speaking on Thursday, January 8, Owino claimed he is the rightful successor to the party leadership, citing the lack of a proper procedure in selecting the current leader, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.”The current leadership is incompetent and irregular. We want to take the leadership of the party as soon as possible,” Owino said, emphasizing his desire to revamp the party.
Owino’s call for an NDC has been backed by other senior party figures, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.The move is seen as a challenge to Oburu Odinga’s leadership, with Owino vowing to ensure ODM produces a presidential candidate to rival President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.”If those people think that ODM cannot produce a presidential candidate, they are short-sighted; they are dealers and not leaders,” Owino said.
The party’s internal divisions have been exacerbated by disagreements over collaboration with President Ruto’s administration, with Oburu Odinga supporting the alliance and Owino opposing it.The rift within ODM comes as supporters of Oburu Odinga have begun criticizing those opposing his leadership, with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed warning that the party’s constitution does not allow self-declared presidential candidates.
Oburu Odinga has vowed to maintain his grip on the party, stating he will not be shaken and is ready to lead ODM into the next general election.
