Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has spoken out against what he termed as systematic sidelining within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

The lawmaker alleged that internal power struggles and fear of his rising star had kept him from receiving his due recognition in the outfit.

In a candid interview on Mayienga FM, the youthful lawmaker expressed frustration with how party roles have been allocated.

Babu claimed that despite his unwavering support for ODM and its leader, Raila Odinga, he has consistently been overlooked even for minor leadership positions.

"In ODM, when people were reaping fruits, I was left out. I wasn't even given a polling station chairman position. That is why I resolved that in ODM, I won't be given anything, I know," Babu said.

The MP, known for his fiery oratory and youth appeal, said he believes his exclusion from party structures is not accidental, but deliberate, orchestrated by individuals within ODM who feel threatened by his rising profile.

Babu pointed to a recurring pattern of hostility and political attacks against him from unnamed party colleagues, suggesting that his increasing popularity is the root of the tension.

"I am being attacked every morning. I am being attacked despite being the lastborn in ODM. I said that sometimes, always being at peace with oneself is good. I said this mine from Embakasi, let me hold on to it. I know I can't be given any position in ODM; I don't like lying. I can't be given because they fear I will outshine them," he observed.

Despite the perceived resistance from some within ODM, the legislator reiterated his loyalty to Raila.

Babu made it clear that while he is ready to confront those who oppose him within the party, he would never challenge the former prime minister’s authority.

"I always say, and still say, that those who want to fight me, I am ready for the fight. The only person I can't fight is Raila Odinga. But the rest, if you try crossing me, I will fight back. I am ready for war. You won’t try to disparage Babu and expect Babu to keep quiet. I am also an elected leader," he stated.

He described himself as a committed ODM soldier who has remained grounded and loyal even when overlooked, insisting that his political journey is far from over.

Babu emphasised that after Raila, he is best placed to lead, using a now-signature phrase to define his succession logic.

"I always say, 'Baada ya Baba ni Babu kwa sababu kama kuna tabu, ana jawabu la ajabu kwa adabu'. But for now, we still have Baba, so we leave Baba," he stated.

Babu, who appeared to be sending a warning shot to party insiders who undermine him, said he will not stay silent in the face of unfair treatment, asserting that he is both ready and able to respond to political provocation.

"But my colleagues, I can crush them to pieces. I can deal with them scathingly because I know what I am made of. I cannot fear them. But only those who fight me, I’ll fight back. And those who are peaceful, I’ll be peaceful," the MP added.

Earlier, Babu dared the Orange party to expel him over his refusal to support the political deal between Raila and President William Ruto.

The MP claimed that some ODM officials had threatened him for opposing the agreement.

He insisted he would not back a government he believes oppresses ordinary citizens and expressed readiness to face consequences, including losing the party ticket in 2027.

Source: TUKO.co.ke