Why Babu Owino Cannot Simply Inherit ODM or the Luo Kingpin Mantle

Babu Owino cannot simply inherit ODM and automatically become the Luo kingpin the way someone inherits property or worse, a wife. Leadership in Luo politics has never worked that way.

Photo: Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino consulting the late Raila Odinga In an event

Raila Odinga did not inherit ODM. He fought for it. He endured detention, exile, betrayal and near-political death. His struggle resonated with the frustrations of the Luo community and with millions across the Republic. Over time, he became more than a politician — almost a cult-like figure whose authority flowed from sacrifice, not succession.

It is therefore misleading for polls such as the recent Infotrack survey to casually position Babu Owino as the “next in line” to the ODM throne. ODM is not a monarchy. It is a movement built on struggle, not inheritance.

The bigger danger is what such narratives do to the fragile post-Baba unity within the party. ODM is still in mourning politically. Its base is still adjusting to life without its lifetime party leader. Premature coronations will only reopen old rivalries and create new fault lines.

Currently, Oburu Odinga appears to be holding the mantle — not necessarily as the final successor, but as a stabilising bridge. In real political terms, the most legitimate route for Babu Owino — or any other aspirant — is not a hostile takeover but a gradual succession sanctioned by the existing authority structures around Oburu and the wider party machinery.

A coup, whether through boardroom manoeuvres, social media hype or manipulated opinion polls, will not only kill ODM as it is known today; it will scatter the already fragile unity in the party’s strongholds. The Luo community does not follow noise. It follows cause, conviction and continuity of struggle.

Babu Owino may be charismatic, energetic and popular among sections of the youth, but ODM was not built on charisma alone. It was built on sacrifice. Anyone seeking to wear Baba’s shoes must first walk the road Baba walked — not attempt to leap to the throne through shortcuts.

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