By Anderson Ojwang
Could Embakasi East MP Babu Owino be edging closer to joining the Wiper Democratic Movement after party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced major reforms within the outfit?
On Monday, during a meeting at SK Centre, Babu declared his support for Kalonzo’s 2027 presidential bid, describing him as a steadfast leader best suited to face President William Ruto.
Kalonzo, on his part, revealed that Wiper was in the process of amending its constitution to expand its leadership structure, borrowing heavily from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) model. He extended an invitation to Babu to join Wiper and serve as one of four deputy party leaders.
“We will have four deputy party leaders just like ODM, and one slot will go to Babu Owino. The national delegates’ conference will ratify these changes. We are even ready to face a by-election in Embakasi East if Babu resigns and joins Wiper. We want to bring more leaders on board and give them roles to strengthen the party ahead of 2027. We are transforming political leadership in this country forever. Babu, join the Patriotic Front and let’s finish this job. I foresee a stampede in Kenya Kwanza,” Kalonzo said.
Wearing a Wiper cap, Babu praised Kalonzo’s loyalty to Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections, adding that it was now time to return the favor.
“In 2027, Kalonzo fits the bill for president. If he was good in Azimio, why is he now bad in opposition? Kindly tell us his mistake. If we say ‘Kalonzo Tosha,’ they say Babu is bad. We must register as voters and disappoint Ruto by appointing Kalonzo,” Babu said.
Babu, who has expressed interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, is seen as likely to benefit from Kalonzo’s Kamba support base in Nairobi. He also enjoys significant backing in Nyanza, where many view him as Raila Odinga’s heir apparent.
His move to back Kalonzo is a blow to ODM, which is yet to decide whether to front its own presidential candidate or support President Ruto in 2027.
Recently, Babu alleged in a TV interview that ODM would deny him the ticket to contest for Nairobi governor, claiming the party favored incumbent Johnson Sakaja. Despite this, he exuded confidence that he would beat Sakaja at the ballot.
“I can clearly tell you I won’t get the ODM ticket, but I will still defeat Sakaja. I know ODM prefers him, but I will deliver the Nairobi seat. I will bring it home, don’t ask me how,” Babu said.
He accused ODM of openly endorsing Sakaja during a prayer meeting at Bomas of Kenya, where Raila Odinga urged Nairobians to support the governor for stability.
“I keep asking myself, why can’t they allow me even the crumbs? Some prefer to sweep them to the dustbin just so Babu doesn’t get them,” he lamented.
At the Bomas event, Raila declared his wish for Sakaja to remain in charge of Nairobi as he heads to the African Union Commission (AUC) bid. “I want Nairobi to remain stable, and for Sakaja to continue leading firmly,” Raila said, as the crowd cheered.
Sakaja, in response, hinted at strengthening ties with ODM grassroots leaders, while ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP George Aladwa urged him to ditch UDA and officially join ODM.
The political realignments now place Babu Owino at a crossroads: between his loyalty to ODM, his ambitions for Nairobi, and his newfound alliance with Kalonzo Musyoka.
