Kenya's Opposition Party ODM Faces Internal Revolt as Young Leader Challenges 2027 Strategy
Nairobi, 10 February 2026
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is leading a dramatic challenge against ODM’s leadership, declaring he no longer recognises the party and demanding change after elder Oburu Odinga announced ODM won’t field a presidential candidate in 2027. Owino has accused the party of becoming a ‘business’ rather than staying true to its activist roots, threatening mass protests if pushed out. Political observers suggest President Ruto may be deliberately trying to weaken ODM by blocking key figures like Owino from party meetings, creating a perfect storm of internal division just as Kenya’s main opposition prepares for crucial elections.
Owino’s Direct Challenge to Party Leadership
Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi tour in Busia on Sunday, 8 February 2026, Babu Owino delivered a scathing critique of ODM’s current trajectory [4]. The MP declared that “we don’t know the current ODM because it is business,” suggesting the opposition outfit had drifted from its activist roots and shifted focus away from mass mobilisation and reform-driven politics [4]. This direct confrontation with party leadership represents one of the most significant internal challenges ODM has faced in recent years, with Owino positioning himself as the voice of a restless, youthful base that feels sidelined within the party structure [1].
Historical Context and Democratic Legitimacy
Owino framed his criticism within Kenya’s broader political history, arguing that protests rather than quiet negotiations have delivered transformative milestones in the country’s governance [4]. “What ended colonialism in the country? What brought multipartyism? What gave us a new constitution? Is it not protests? Is protests good or bad?” he posed during the Busia engagement [4]. The legislator maintained that demonstrations have historically expanded democratic space and secured key reforms, insisting that civic action remains a legitimate and necessary political tool [4]. This rhetorical approach directly challenges ODM’s current strategy of engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration and signals a fundamental disagreement over the party’s political posture [4].
Rival Factions Emerge Within ODM
The Linda Mwananchi faction, which includes prominent figures such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Babu Owino, has emerged as a direct counterweight to the Linda Ground campaign led by Dr Oburu Oginga [6]. On 8 February 2026, these leaders launched parallel rallies opposing President William Ruto’s re-election bid, challenging the President on the 10-point agenda agreed upon in March 2025 [6]. Sifuna declared that “the agreement between ODM and United Democratic Alliance ends on March 7, and there will be no extension,” adding that “any renewal can only come with Raila’s signature, but Baba is resting in Bondo” [6]. This timeline places significant pressure on the party’s leadership structure, as the current cooperation agreement expires on 7 March 2026 [6].
External Pressure and Strategic Manipulation
Political observers have raised concerns about potential external interference in ODM’s internal processes. Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo stated on 9 February 2026 that President William Ruto intends to weaken ODM and prevent key figures from participating in crucial party meetings [3]. According to Ngogoyo, Ruto’s strategy specifically includes blocking Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino from attending the upcoming National Governing Council (NGC) meeting [3]. “What I can tell ODM is that William Ruto will make sure that party goes down; that is his agenda,” Ngogoyo warned [3]. This alleged interference comes at a particularly vulnerable time for ODM, as the party already faces significant internal divisions over its relationship with the current government and future electoral strategy.