The simmering political temperature within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appears to be rising alarmingy as party loyalists increasingly clash over who should chart the party’s future following the death of its longtime leader, Raila Odinga.
What was once quiet internal lobbying has now spilled into the streets, with passionate supporters openly declaring their preferred successor.
At the centre of the unfolding drama is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who continues to attract overwhelming support from a section of ODM members and grassroots supporters.
Many within the party have been vocal in vouching for the outspoken legislator, citing his youthful energy, strong mobilisation skills and unwavering loyalty to the ODM cause as qualities that make him suitable to take up the mantle of leadership.
The growing endorsement of Babu Owino was dramatically displayed on Friday, February 6, when a group of ODM supporters caused a spectacle in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
In scenes that quickly captured public attention, the charged crowd loudly chanted Babu Owino’s name as they openly demonstrated their allegiance to him.
Videos that circulated widely online on the same day showed a mammoth crowd of ODM supporters chanting slogans in praise of Babu Owino while burning ODM-branded merchandise associated with Oketch Salah.
The footage, which went viral within hours, underscored the deepening divisions within the party as the succession debate intensifies.
In the video clips, the youths could be heard clearly expressing their admiration for Babu Owino, with some declaring that he is their preferred choice to lead ODM going forward.
Their actions and chants left little doubt about where their loyalty lies, as they dismissed other potential leaders and rallied behind the Embakasi East MP.
The incident comes against the backdrop of recent headlines involving Oketch Salah, who has attracted both attention and controversy after claiming that he possessed important information from the late Raila Odinga.
Salah had alleged that Raila confided in him about his wishes regarding the future development and leadership direction of the party before his demise in India.
These claims sparked intense debate among ODM supporters, with some questioning Salah’s assertions while others viewed them as an attempt to position himself within the party’s succession conversation.
For a section of the party faithful, however, the claims did not resonate, as evidenced by the dramatic rejection of his merchandise during the Nairobi CBD demonstrations.
As ODM navigates this delicate transition period, the public displays of support, rivalry and dissent signal a party at a crossroads.
With emotions running high and grassroots voices growing louder, it remains to be seen how the party’s top leadership will manage the succession process and whether unity can be maintained amid the escalating internal pressure.
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