We respect Oburu as our elder, not as ODM party leader - MP Babu Owino

Embakasi East Member or Parliament Babu Owino has openly denounced Dr. Oburu Oginga as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, stating that they recognise him only as an elder, not the political outfit's chief.

Speaking during the 'People's' National Delegates Convention (NDC) of the Linda Mwananchi faction at Ufangamano House on Friday, the lawmaker questioned the hurried installation of Dr. Oburu as party leader following the death of Raila Odinga, saying members were pressured to endorse the decision.

He blatantly dismissed the move, stating that it did not reflect the values Raila upheld within the ODM party.

"Baba alipofariki, tuliambiwa tuende Mombasa Road. Tukarauka na tuliambiwa tuende tupokee mwili wa Raila Odinga. Tulipofika pale, agenda ilibadilika, walisema party leader ni Oburu Oginga. Wewe ndugu yako amekufa, hajazikwa na wewe unamridhi kama ndugu yako ako kwa sanduku, upuzi si upuzi? Je, huo ni ungwana?" Owino posed. 

"Kisha tunaambiwa ni lazima tufuate huo mwenendo. We will respect Oburu as our elder, not as our leader."

Babu Owino dismissed the ODM Linda Ground's Special Delegates Convention (SDC) at Jamhuri Grounds, citing that the true ODM Secretary General was present in the meeting, refering to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. 

"Ile NDC ambayo ni illegal, is that the true spirit of ODM, Raila Odinga or the youth who fought to bring down the towers of oppression and raise the banner of freedom?" Owino posed. 

The meeting took place amid chaos after police officers attempted to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi faction’s NDC.

Despite the interference, party leaders managed to breach the police barricade, gain access to the venue, and continue with the meeting. 

Across town at the Jamhuri Grounds, the ODM SDC formally ratified Dr. Oburu as its substantive party leader, and resolved to kick out Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi – who is a member of the Linda Mwananchi faction - from the Deputy Party Leader position.