Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has urged Winnie Odinga to pursue broader political opportunities, in remarks that appear to challenge her recent reaffirmation of loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a strongly worded statement, Owino likened Winnie’s current political path to a “pond” and encouraged her to consider what she described as a bigger platform- “the ocean.”
“I want to tell Winnie Odinga that she is bigger than the pond where she is going to. She should join the ocean, which is bigger- and the ocean is here,” Owino said.
His remarks come shortly after Winnie Odinga was named deputy party leader during a recent ODM meeting, where she reaffirmed her commitment to the party founded by her father, Raila Odinga.
“Hii chama ODM ni nyumba ambayo baba yangu alijenga. Mimi Winnie Odinga natoka hapa nikienda wapi?” she said, underlining her loyalty to the party.
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Owino’s comments have since sparked widespread political debate, with analysts and observers interpreting the “ocean” analogy as a call for Winnie to expand her political reach beyond her current trajectory.
While the MP did not explicitly state which platform or position he was referring to, his remarks have fueled speculation about shifting alliances and future political strategies within Kenya’s evolving landscape.
Online reactions have been mixed. Some Kenyans backed Owino’s stance, suggesting Winnie has the potential to rise beyond party confines, while others defended her decision to remain rooted in ODM.
“Winnie is heading towards the right path. You can’t be a queen without support from home,” one social media user commented.
Another added: “She has already joined the ocean- she just realised she was swimming in a pond.”
