Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has alleged a coordinated attempt to disrupt his planned political activities in western Kenya, claiming that his bodyguards were detained at Kisumu Central Police Station and that armed individuals were mobilised to block him from travelling to Kakamega.
Speaking during a citizen tv interview, the lawmaker claimed that his security officers remain in police custody following the incident at Kisumu International Airport, where he and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna were scheduled to depart for a rally in Kakamega.
Babu directly accused Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo of sponsoring individuals to cause chaos at the airport.
“I am talking with a lot of conviction and serious evidence at hand,” he said, alleging that more than 200 individuals armed with crude weapons had been mobilised to block their travel and provoke clashes.
The Interior Ministry has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Despite the claims, Babu vowed that the movement associated with the “Linda Mwananchi” faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would continue its nationwide mobilisation drive.
He cited previous rallies in Kitengela and Kakamega as evidence of growing support and announced plans to tour Mombasa after Ramadan, with a broader timetable expected to run through December and into the election period.
The lawmaker dismissed suggestions that he plans to exit ODM, insisting that the party remains central to his political future.
However, he accused members of the rival “Linda Ground” faction within ODM of attempting to push him and his allies out of the party.
Babu invoked the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying ODM was founded on principles of democracy, freedom of speech, social justice, and constitutionalism.
He argued that the party should remain focused on empowering ordinary citizens rather than engaging in what he termed “power politics.”
According to Babu, the division within ODM reflects differing ideological approaches — with one side prioritising political power alignments and the other emphasising grassroots empowerment and people-centred leadership.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions within ODM as factions position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, raising concerns over the party’s unity and future direction.
