By Anderson Ojwang
Last week marked a political milestone for Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, which could positively impact his future political journey in the emerging political realignment.
Babu not only braved the hostile local and national political waters but also received a positive mention from a young American lad for his public endorsement of Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump went on to win the election by defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
In a video clip that went viral on several social media platforms, the lad said, “Babu Owino, Embakasi East. It is an honour and pleasure that you have publicly endorsed President Donald Trump. That a foreign leader, who could make Kenya great one day, once again endorsed Donald Trump. Babu, I personally would love to meet you, though this may not happen, to do an interview. Thank you, Babu Owino, for endorsing Donald Trump.”
Babu, in his response on X (formerly Twitter), replied, saying, “A big thank you to the Americans who accepted and appreciated my endorsement for President Trump. When I go to America, I will for sure meet this gentleman who changed his mind to vote for Trump after I publicly endorsed Trump. Embakasi East Republic to the world.”
Babu had gone against the grain with the majority of political elites in Kenya, who were supporting Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who lost to President-Elect Trump. Analysts view the positive mention by the American lad as a political milestone for Babu, potentially endearing him to President Trump.
Back at home, last Sunday at Ligisa Secondary School in Homa Bay County, the political stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the crowd temporarily disrupted the function, demanding that Babu be allowed to speak.
The event was graced by former ODM party leader Raila Odinga, interim Party Leader Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and Hassan Joho, as well as various senators, governors, and members of parliament, all of whom witnessed Babu’s “bloodless coup.”
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo’s efforts to pacify the crowd were drowned out by chants of “Babu, Babu” before Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo interjected, saying, “Let Babu speak to the people.” The crowd went wild and then fell silent.
In his speech, Babu showed his support for Raila’s bid for the chairperson of the African Union, saying he was the best candidate. He stated that Wanga was suited to lead the party forward and was a game-changer in party politics.
Babu, in a closing remark on the next political agenda, said, “Na Baba aki saa enda, na Baba aki saa enda” (loosely translated, “When Baba is…, when Baba is gone”) but did not complete the sentence as the jubilant crowd cheered.
Raila recently announced he would be stepping away from local politics for an international role, sparking succession politics in the party and Nyanza, his stronghold.
President William Ruto is already eyeing the Nyanza vote bloc for the 2027 elections, having rolled out multimillion-shilling development projects in the region and appointed several members from the community to his cabinet and other government positions.
Other leaders, including Wanga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Otiende, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, and others, have been positioning themselves for community leadership after Raila.
The impassioned Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, speaking at the function, condemned those eyeing Raila’s position, calling it treason.
“Those people bringing irrelevant and useless discussions on Raila’s succession and inheriting his seat—I want to deliver a warning here in Homa Bay. That is an act of treason. If you talk of inheriting Raila’s seat, you will be beaten like nobody’s business,” he said.
Junet maintained that Raila would remain their leader, whether in Addis Ababa as AU Chair or in Kenya.
“Our father is one. If you want small positions like that of Gladys Wanga’s or mine, which is the Director of Elections, you can go for that. But if you want to take Raila’s seat, we will pound you like a potato,” Junet said.
Babu has been traversing several parts of Nyanza to connect with grassroots supporters, causing disquiet among some in the political class.
Nairobi-based medic Dr Gedion Majiwa said the stars seem to be shining brighter for Babu, and the positive mentions he is receiving locally and internationally are beneficial for his political future.
“Babu is on the right political trajectory. Time and age are on his side. He is a go-getter and a shrewd politician. He is a man to watch in the emerging new political arrangements,” he said.
Recently, Babu faced criticism from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for allegedly supporting the opposition leader in his country, who warned him to stay out of Uganda’s affairs.
