Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed the appointment of Oburu Oginga as the new leader of ODM, saying that he only recognizes him as a respected elder and not the party leader.
While addressing a gathering convened by Linda Mwananchi, a lobby group, at Ufangamano House, Babu Owino wondered how Oburu was appointed party leader shortly after the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
The MP stated that some members of the ODM party were coerced into agreeing to Oburu’s appointment when the members were still in mourning. He stated further that this was not a process done in line with the values of Raila Odinga, adding that it is very important for the process to change the leadership in the ODM party to be done in the right way
“We will respect Oburu as our elder, but not as our leader,” said Babu Owino.
The MP further stated that the ODM party held an illegal meeting at Jamhuri Grounds, adding that the meeting did not represent the views of all the members in the ODM party.
He claimed that this meeting did not reflect the true sentiments of the party. He also claimed that notable leaders within the party were on his side. These leaders include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The meeting that took place at Ufangamano was briefly halted because the police attempted to stop it. However, they proceeded with the meeting.
On the other hand, at Jamhuri Grounds, a meeting that had been organized by ODM took place successfully. In this meeting, leaders approved that Oburu is actually the leader of the party. In this meeting, leaders also decided that Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi should be removed from his position as deputy leader.