Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has stirred fresh political controversy after sensationally claiming he was deliberately blocked from addressing mourners during the burial of Beryl Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on Saturday.
In a fiery Facebook post, Babu alleged that unnamed organisers had made it clear he would not be allowed to speak — but insisted the crowd “spoke on his behalf” after erupting into loud cheers when his name was mentioned.
“They never wanted me to speak today at the burial, but the people spoke for me,” Babu wrote.
Though denied the microphone, Babu was publicly recognised twice — first by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo as she read the roll call of legislators, and later by EALA MP Winnie Odinga.
However, it was Winnie Odinga’s unexpected shout-out that set the crowd roaring.
“Talking about unity… unity means allowing even those you don’t like. I want a friend of mine to wave because he is part of us — my friend Babu Owino,” Winnie said as mourners cheered.
Babu’s claims come just months after he openly expressed discontent over what he sees as persistent sidelining within ODM — frustrations he says have left him questioning his political future in the party.
The MP previously revealed that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had offered him a senior leadership position, prompting reflection on how he is valued within ODM.
“Kalonzo told me he would make me Deputy Party Leader if I joined. Why is it that in my own house, ODM, I can’t even be given a polling station chair position?” he lamented in October.
The youthful lawmaker has also admitted that his chances of securing ODM’s Nairobi gubernatorial ticket in 2027 appear slim, citing key political signals.
“My ticket with ODM is gone — or will go,” he remarked after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja received what he termed a bipartisan political lifeline.
Siaya Senator and ODM elder Dr. Oburu Oginga has attempted to ease tensions, assuring Babu that the party will not block his ambitions.
Oburu stated that Babu will be granted a fair chance in the 2027 nominations and urged him not to defect.
“He shouldn’t panic. If he wins the nomination, he gets the ticket — simple. Babu has been loyal to ODM and we have no reason to deny him,” Oburu said.
The drama unfolded as the Odinga family laid to rest Beryl Odinga, who passed away on November 25, just weeks after the death of her elder brother, the late Raila Odinga.
Yet even in mourning, ODM’s internal tensions were impossible to ignore — with Babu Owino’s latest claims reinforcing the perception of deepening rifts within the party’s youthful wing and the old guard.
As 2027 approaches, all eyes will be on whether ODM mends its fractures — or whether outspoken figures like Babu will bolt for alternative political homes now openly courting them.
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