Why I Snubbed Ruto-Raila Meeting – Babu Owino
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has clarified why he was missing from the joint parliamentary group meeting between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The meeting, held on Monday, August 18, was chaired by President William Ruto alongside ODM leader Raila Odinga. Babu’s absence raised questions about his loyalty to ODM, given his strong association with the party.
Speaking on Thursday, August 21, Babu Owino dismissed claims of shifting allegiance, stressing that he still respects Raila Odinga as his party leader. However, he noted that he stayed away because he was not consulted before the meeting.
“I Was Not Consulted” – Babu Owino
The second-term legislator said he was sidelined in key decisions, including the drafting of the NADCO report and the agreement on a broad-based government (BBG).
“I respect Raila Odinga, he is my party leader. But when the NADCO report was being drafted and when ODM and UDA agreed on the BBG, I was not consulted. As an elected MP, I represent my constituents’ views and expected to be involved,” Owino explained.
He added that if his input was ignored at the start, then there was no point in being summoned later.
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ODM Still a Democratic Party
Addressing internal wrangles within ODM, Babu said the party remains democratic, where members are free to air different opinions.
“Raila himself has said ODM stands for democracy. We cannot all think alike. I have the democratic right to question any wrongdoing in government and to perform my oversight role as required by the constitution,” he stated.
Oversight Role in Parliament
During the ODM–UDA joint meeting, leaders from both sides agreed to put aside partisan politics and work together in the national interest. However, Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have been vocal critics of the broad-based government and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Babu maintained that Parliament must remain independent and act in the people’s interest, not as a rubber stamp for the executive.
“Parliament should perform its oversight role and legislate for Kenyans, not for the executive,” he emphasized.
Why I Snubbed Ruto-Raila Meeting – Babu Owino
