Suna East MP Junet Mohammed has opened a fresh political route for Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, urging him to return to ODM if he plans to make a bid for the Nairobi governor’s seat in the 2027 General Election.
Junet made the appeal in Migori County during a roadside rally held as President William Ruto toured the region, where he also backed the President’s growing relationship with ODM and called on residents of Nyanza to support his re-election campaign.
Addressing Babu directly, Junet asked the Embakasi East MP to return to the party and help strengthen its political base.
“My brother Babu Owino, please come back home and return to ODM. We will build the Orange party together,” Junet said.
He tied the proposed return to Babu’s ambitions for Nairobi, telling him that ODM would provide a platform if he intends to seek the county’s top elective position.
“If you want to be governor, come back to ODM,” he said.
The appeal comes as Babu adjusts his involvement in the Linda Mwananchi Movement while turning his attention to the Nairobi governor’s race.
On Tuesday, September 15, Babu said he would no longer attend all Linda Mwananchi rallies as he had previously done, although he maintained that he would continue supporting the movement.
The Embakasi East MP said he needed to dedicate more time to strengthening his political support in Nairobi as he prepares for the 2027 gubernatorial contest.
His reduced attendance at Linda Mwananchi events has led to speculation about possible disagreements within the movement. Babu, however, has dismissed reports of a fallout with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Babu has continued to express support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions while explaining their political relationship, seeking to counter claims that differences between them were behind his decision to spend more time on his Nairobi campaign.
Junet’s remarks have therefore brought ODM into the growing conversation around Babu’s political plans, with the Suna East MP publicly asking him to return to the party and pursue his Nairobi ambitions under the ODM banner.
The lawmaker also spoke about the political future of ODM and UDA, saying he had always believed the two parties would remain key players in the country.
“I knew from the start that the party that will remain in the country is ODM and UDA,” Junet said.
Junet further told Ruto that Nyanza residents had decided to support his efforts to secure another term as President.
“As Nyanza people we have decided we will rally behind you as you seek another term,” he told the President.
He also highlighted Ruto’s earlier association with ODM, reminding the President that he was among those involved in establishing the party alongside the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“You William Ruto were among the founding members of ODM with Raila Odinga,” he said.
Junet said ODM had undergone a number of political changes since Ruto departed from the party and later rose from the position of Deputy President to become President.
“ODM has gone through a lot. You left, went to be Deputy President and now you are the President and you have come back to take along ODM with you,” he said.