Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi has expressed his belief that Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, is well-suited to lead the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after the era of Raila Odinga.
In a statement on the X platform, Havi praised Babu Owino, stating, “Of all those pretenders to the ODM throne, only Babu Owino can lead, mobilise, organise and run a credible opposition outfit.”
Havi asserted that other ODM members are either heavily politically indebted or lacking in credibility.
The statement comes amid a quiet succession battle within the ODM party as leaders consider the future leadership post-Raila Odinga, who is lobbying for the chairmanship of the African Union.
Last week, Raila Odinga endorsed his deputies, Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, to lead the party in the event of his potential election to the African Union Commission chairmanship.
This declaration, made during an ODM mobilisation event in Wajir, aims to provide clarity on the party’s leadership in Raila’s absence.
Raila expressed confidence in Joho and Oparanya working together to lead ODM effectively, emphasizing the strength of the party’s foundation beyond individual leadership.
“They will work together. A party that has a good foundation cannot disintegrate when one person steps aside. A strong party is not about an individual but the entire membership and its leadership,” Raila told party members.
