Kaluma warns Babu Owino against ditching ODM for Gachagua’s DCP

By Newsflash Repoter

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has issued a stern warning to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino over his rumored plans to abandon the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy or Citizens’ Party (DCP).

Kaluma, speaking on Thursday morning, cautioned that such a move would be politically disastrous for Owino, particularly in Nairobi County, where he has positioned himself as a key player in succession politics.

The legislator argued that aligning with Gachagua’s opposition wing would weaken Babu Owino’s standing, destroy his political credibility, and ultimately derail his ambitions of clinching the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

“Babu Owino, leaving Baba for Gachagua and his hateful group will be your shortest political walk to oblivion. Retrace your steps back to Raila Odinga and ODM,” Kaluma warned.

Babu Owino Expresses Frustration With ODM

Kaluma’s remarks come just hours after Babu Owino publicly expressed frustration at being sidelined within ODM despite his loyalty to the party. Speaking during an interview on Kameme FM, Owino suggested that party leader Raila Odinga had already settled on Governor Johnson Sakaja as his preferred choice for Nairobi’s top seat.

“I cannot be given an ODM party ticket. You saw at Bomas how Governor Sakaja was endorsed by the ODM party and by Raila Odinga himself,” Owino stated.

Despite his grievances, Owino maintained that he still respected Raila Odinga as a political mentor and father figure. However, he acknowledged that the ODM ticket for Nairobi was out of reach, saying: “The party ticket will be given to Sakaja, but my party ticket is in the hands of God.”

Political Implications and Sakaja’s Impeachment Saga

During the same interview, Owino also revisited the recent impeachment motion against Governor Sakaja, which collapsed under contentious circumstances. He accused President William Ruto of meddling in Nairobi County politics to shield Sakaja from removal.

According to the Embakasi East MP, Sakaja’s leadership has failed to meet the expectations of Nairobi residents, and giving him more time in office would only deepen the city’s challenges.

Kaluma, however, urged Owino not to let frustration push him into political decisions that could harm his career. He insisted that ODM remains the strongest vehicle for progressive politics in Nairobi and across the country, stressing that breaking away to join Gachagua’s camp would amount to political suicide.

The debate has further fueled speculation over ODM’s succession strategy and the growing rifts within the party. With the 2027 elections drawing closer, questions remain over whether Babu Owino will remain loyal to Raila Odinga’s camp or chart a new political path.