Migori senator warns Sifuna, Babu Owino against using personal interests to disrupt ODM

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has warned ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, urging them to stop letting personal ambitions and 2027 political manoeuvring undermine the party’s unity.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, October 27, 2025, Oketch expressed concern that internal disagreements within ODM have increasingly centred on individual political gain rather than service delivery.

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He noted that the looming 2027 elections have become a distraction for some leaders, overshadowing urgent national issues.

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“I see some of our leaders being more affected by 2027 than by the welfare of Kenyans. Good leaders should focus on delivering for the people rather than positioning themselves for elections,” Oketch said.

Oketch stressed that personal ambitions should not interfere with ongoing projects.

“We have one and a half years of work that has been done. University strikes have ended, capitation funds have been disbursed, and the resources are already in the citizens’ pockets. Where is the logic in creating chaos now just to score political points?” he questioned.

The senator also criticised public debates on 2027 that ignore development work.

“Stop panicking about 2027. Let us focus on the ten-point agenda between Raila and Ruto. Let citizens see results before we start evaluating politics for the next election,” he said.

Oketch warned that party officials should put service above personal interests.

“I want to see Sifuna being proactive in Nairobi without appearing desperate. Babu Owino should also prioritise citizens’ welfare over declaring ambitions for the gubernatorial seat in 2027. Leadership is about delivery, not just positioning,” he added.

He urged ODM leaders to support the government’s current programs while maintaining party unity, emphasising that internal conflicts over alignment or electoral strategy risk undermining both development and public trust.

In recent times, both Sifuna and Babu Owino have made their positions clear. Sifuna has openly disagreed with ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government, even warning that he could quit the party if it backs Ruto for the presidency in 2027.

Meanwhile, Babu Owino, also a critic of the government, has declared his intention to run for Nairobi governor in 2027, noting that he is despised by the party and aware he may not secure the ODM ticket.