
An explosive warning has been issued within Kenya’s political circles: Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has publicly cautioned Embakasi East MP Babu Owino not to abandon the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in favor of Rigathi Gachagua’s new Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), branding such a move a potential career suicide.
Kaluma, speaking sharply, told Owino that switching camps would “be your shortest political walk to oblivion.” The warning highlights a high-stakes tug-of-war playing out within ODM as the 2027 elections approach and party loyalties are tested on multiple fronts.
Owino, for his part, has quietly revealed his disappointment over not being endorsed by ODM or its leader for the Nairobi governor’s race. Though expressing respect toward Raila Odinga, he admitted being sidelined—implying he may be weighing his future options.
Why This Political Clash Matters
- Loyalty Under Fire: The warning comes at a time when ODM’s cohesion is being tested. Departures could signal deeper cracks ahead of the next election cycle.
- High Risks for Owino: Leaving a dominant party risks not just political isolation, but also undermining Babu’s influence across Nairobi—particularly given his current mobilization efforts.
- Power Play Unfolding: Gachagua’s new political movement may represent fresh opportunity—but Kaluma’s outspoken caution shows that loyalty remains the currency of survival in Kenyan politics.
As pressure mounts, the political future of Babu Owino—and the broader strategic landscape within the opposition—hangs in the balance. Will alliances shift, or will loyalty hold firm?