ODM’s internal division over who should succeed in Nairobi is becoming harder to conceal, with key lawmakers publicly backing Embakasi East MP Babu Owino despite his falling-out with the party’s central leadership.
The open support comes as ODM is seen as lacking a formidable candidate for Nairobi, a gap that may explain why Owino’s gubernatorial ambitions are drawing increasingly visible backing from within the party.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ rallied support for Owino at a burial event, chanting for him to take over Nairobi.
Awendo MP Walter Owino also backed the Embakasi East legislator, calling him the best person to manage the city.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, had earlier supported Owino’s gubernatorial ambitions.
Attempts by party leaders, including Dr Oburu Oginga, to persuade Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi to run in Nairobi failed after Wanyonyi shifted his focus to Bungoma County.
Veteran party member George Aladwa is demanding strict internal nominations, citing fears that external political forces or late entrants, including incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, could disrupt ODM’s plans for the city.
