Raila Odinga was concerned by Babu Owino's fast rise, long-time aide claims

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has responded after remarks by Dennis Onyango, a longtime aide to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a televised interview on Sunday night, June 7, 2026, Onyango claimed that Raila viewed Babu as a fast-rising figure whose growing political influence could unsettle ODM’s internal hierarchy and succession structure.

He alleged that Raila felt the MP was advancing too quickly within the party, potentially creating tension among long-serving members.

The comments triggered reactions in political circles, with Babu issuing a response on his official Facebook page on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The lawmaker dismissed Onyango’s remarks as unfair, promising a rebuttal.

“I think this is unfair, but we will be there no matter what,” Babu said.

Babu, who has previously signalled interest in a larger leadership role within ODM, maintained that he remains focused on his political trajectory despite internal party dynamics.

During the interview, Onyango insisted that Raila had concerns about Babu’s political style, arguing that the veteran opposition leader believed the MP was moving too quickly through party ranks.

“Raila thought Babu Owino was going to be trouble to his base. He thought the guy was impatient,” Onyango said.

He added that ODM, in his view, is a movement shaped over decades and rooted in the legacy of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, with many senior figures ahead in what he described as an established political order.

“You know, if you have a legacy or you have a lineup that runs from Jaramogi, there were so many people in the queue… if you just want to come and jump them, then you are putting Raila in a very difficult situation,” he said.

Onyango concluded that Raila was uneasy with the pace at which Babu was consolidating influence within the party.

“He didn’t very much appreciate the speed at which he was moving,” he said.