“If Living Costs Rise, We Will Go for Protests,” Babu Owino Warns as He Challenges ODM Leadership

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has openly challenged the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), asserting that he has the capacity to lead the party and warning that rising living and education costs could push Kenyan youth into the streets.

Speaking during the commemoration of ODM’s 20th anniversary in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Owino addressed party members and young supporters, signaling his readiness to play a more prominent role in the party’s future.

“To Baba the great, we want to tell our people to rise up. Rise with courage, rise with conviction, rise with strength, to fight because we know that we are stronger than our oppressors,” Owino said, referring to the late party leader Raila Odinga.

The outspoken MP did not mince his words when discussing the challenges facing Kenyan youth. He warned that continued increases in living costs, school fees, and commodity prices could lead to widespread protests. 

“Baba, today, if living costs go up, we will go for protests, whether people like it or not. If school fees increase, we will go for protests. If commodity prices rise, we will go for protests,” Owino declared, drawing applause from the crowd.

Owino also directed a pointed message to the ODM leadership, who he feels have sidelined him in recent political decisions. 

“Yesterday I saw our leaders in ODM being given positions. Congratulations. But let me ask: Did you look at me and decide Babu Owino is not fit for leadership? Think about that. As a youth leader, I respect you, but in future, Babu can lead the party,” he said.

The MP’s remarks come months after he publicly acknowledged that he might not receive the ODM ticket to contest for Nairobi governor in 2027.

Speaking to Kameme TV in September 2025, he said he had noted the party leadership’s preference for another candidate, pointing to Governor Johnson Sakaja’s endorsement by Raila Odinga at a prayer event in Bomas. Despite this, Owino affirmed his loyalty to Raila, calling him his political godfather. 

“I am sure that I will never be given the ODM ticket, but I will respect Raila even though all my plans are in God’s hands,” he stated.

In recent months, Owino has positioned himself as a potential future leader within ODM, voicing criticism of Sakaja’s governance and alleging that anyone supporting the governor could be receiving inducements. 

His vocal approach reflects a desire to influence the party’s direction, particularly on issues affecting Kenyan youth and Nairobi residents.

ODM’s leadership is undergoing a transition following Raila Odinga’s passing. During the party’s anniversary celebrations, Oburu Odinga was ratified as leader, while senior appointments were given to Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as deputies. 

These changes signal a reshuffling of power within the party, with Owino keen to assert himself as a youth champion in the process.