Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has stepped in to calm rising tensions within the party, following growing speculation about the futures of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking on the alleged divisions, Oburu dismissed claims that Babu Owino was being sidelined in his bid to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat under the ODM ticket.
“I do not see anything wrong with Babu Owino, although I hear there are some issues that may be troubling him,” Oburu said as quoted.
“I do not know why he believes he cannot be given the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor. I do not think there can be any reason to deny him the ticket if he wins the nominations. If he wins, he will get it (the ticket), so let him not run away from the party.”
The ODM acting leader emphasized that the party remains committed to internal democracy and fairness in the nomination process.
“Anyone who wants the party ticket in the Nairobi Governor race should just declare and square it out openly among each other,” he stated.
“Let nobody run away because they think they will be denied a chance. Nobody can take the ticket away from you if you win it and you’re a member of the party.”
Oburu revealed that he was making efforts to personally reach out to Babu Owino to resolve any misunderstandings.
“I have not found him yet, but I’m looking for him. I have sent people to look for him. I know I will find him soon so that we can have a conversation and I can tell him to keep calm and not worry,” he added.
Oburu Defends Sifuna Amid ‘Double Voice’ Accusations
In regards to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has recently faced criticism for allegedly “speaking with a double voice” — one as the party’s spokesperson and another in his personal capacity — Oburu urged unity and restraint.
“Sifuna is the one who read out the resolutions of the party after our meeting on Monday. I have spoken to him, and he has no problem,” he clarified.
The veteran politician acknowledged Sifuna’s youthful passion but maintained that any internal issues would be handled amicably within the party framework.
“As a young person, sometimes he can become restless and go a little overboard, but he is with us and he will stay with us,” Oburu said.
“There’s nothing he has done to warrant us removing him from the party. If he goes astray, as our child, we may just discipline him a little but within the party.”
Oburu’s intervention comes at a time when ODM is grappling with questions of succession and internal cohesion following Raila Odinga’s death on October 16.
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