Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, criticized ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga during an interview on KTN News, following Oburu’s declaration that the party will support President William Ruto for a second term.
Owino questioned Oburu’s leadership style and the direction the party is taking post-Raila Odinga.
“Dr. Oburu is behaving in a way that Baba would not have behaved. Baba, where he is, must be a disturbed man,” Owino said.
He emphasized that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was built through collective effort and not by a single individual.
“This party was not built by Dr. Oburu alone; this party was built by the toiling and moiling of people. This is not a party for one person; this is a party for Kenyans,” he added.
Owino also drew a sharp distinction between factions within the party, referring to “Linda Ground” and “Linda Wananchi.”
According to him, “The Linda Ground is an affordable ODM. It is the 'Linda Tumbo.' What are the differences between Linda Ground and Linda Wananchi? Linda Ground wants power, while Linda Wananchi wants empowerment for the people. Linda Ground are retrogressive forces but Linda Wananchi are progressive minds.”
His comments come amid reports that ODM and UDA have begun signaling a pre-coalition agreement ahead of the next elections.
Oburu Odinga’s open support for President Ruto has drawn criticism from party members like Owino, who warn that aligning with the ruling party could undermine ODM’s grassroots base and its historic role as an opposition voice.