By Valentine Omondi
Novelist Chinua Achebe wrote in his book Things Fall Apart that when a child has washed his hands, he can eat with the elders.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has cut his teeth and washed his hands and can now eat where the country’s political kings and queens dine.
Babu, a leading candidate in the Nairobi gubernatorial race, has signalled that he has come of age to continue staying in his father’s home, and it was now time to have a home of his own.
Babu, in a radio interview, revealed a move to launch a new national political party ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing what he described as an irreparable fallout in ODM.
Speaking during a local podcast interview aired on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the outspoken legislator said preparations for the new party were already underway and that it will bring together leaders from across Kenya under an inclusive leadership structure.
According to Owino, the party’s Secretary-General will come from the Western region, while the Chairperson will be drawn from either the Coast or Central region to ensure regional balance.
He also disclosed that the Deputy Party Leader has already been identified through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, although he declined to reveal the individual’s identity.
“The party is coming very soon. Babu Owino will be the party leader. I will appoint the Secretary General from the Western region, and our father, James Orengo, will be the party’s patron. It will bring together Kenyans from the Coast, Central, North Eastern, and every community across the country,” he said.
The announcement comes amid growing speculation that the Linda Mwananchi Movement could soon transition into a fully fledged political party.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo recently indicated that the movement intends to unveil a political party before the end of the year, further fuelling debate over the realignment of opposition politics ahead of the next General Election.
Owino attributed his decision to leave ODM to what he termed persistent hostility from sections of the party’s leadership, saying he and his allies had effectively been forced out despite years of loyalty.
Why Babu is leaving
“It’s unfortunate, but I will have to leave ODM because we were pushed out. We are no longer welcome. Every day we are told, ‘Go and look for your own party. If you want to leave, then leave.’ We did not abandon the party. We were chased away,” he claimed.
The MP said his decision was not made lightly, maintaining that he had remained steadfast with ODM through some of its most difficult moments. He said he defended the party in court, made significant political sacrifices on its behalf, and consistently stood by its leadership during challenging periods. However, he argued that his efforts had not been reciprocated, leaving him convinced that his political future now lies outside the party.
Owino revealed that the breakdown in his relationship with ODM began after he expressed interest in contesting for the party’s leadership, saying he later realised that the process would not be conducted in an open and democratic manner.
If formally launched, the new political outfit is expected to add a fresh dimension to Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with Owino positioning it as a national party aimed at attracting support from all regions of the country.
At the time of publication, ODM had not publicly responded to Owino’s latest remarks regarding his planned exit and the proposed formation of a new political party.
