In a notable instance of bipartisan acknowledgment, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda has recognized the burgeoning political profile of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, labeling him a “good” leader with remarkable talent.
During a TV interview on Wednesday night, April 29, 2026, Ojienda, a committed member of the pro-government ‘Linda Ground’ faction of the ODM party, momentarily set aside political differences to commend Babu’s recent performance at a ‘Linda Mwananchi’ rally in Nyalenda, his childhood neighborhood.
“He is good. There is no doubt; you can’t take that away from him,” Ojienda stated.
“He was born and raised in Kisumu, but he now resides in Nairobi. Babu is a homeboy; he is my constituent,” he added.
These remarks followed a significant turnout in Kisumu, where Babu Owino drew considerable support in his former home, prompting the interview host to remark that the MP “appeared to be like a kingpin” on stage.
Ojienda, who represents the very constituency where Babu grew up, acknowledged the MP’s charisma but offered a cautious perspective on the future of Luo leadership as the region looks beyond its traditional patriarch.
When asked if Babu Owino could be the next Luo Kingpin, Ojienda, a prominent figure in the ODM Linda Ground faction and a supporter of President William Ruto, suggested that the era of a singular leader for Nyanza may be waning.
He pointed out the challenges of unifying the region under one leader’s influence, a role that the late Raila Odinga held for decades.
“We have many kingpins in Nyanza. It is difficult to have a universal kingpin after Raila’s death,” Ojienda explained.
The Senator anticipated a fragmentation of power, indicating that the leadership void would likely be filled by multiple influential figures overseeing different areas.
“I think we will see smaller kingpins emerging in various regions. Babu Owino could become a significant figure in Nairobi,” he added.
This analysis signals a transformative shift in the Nyanza political landscape.
Historically, the region rallied behind a single leader—Raila.
Ojienda’s insights suggest that the new generation of leaders, including Babu Owino, may need to focus on regional influence rather than the overarching power once held by the late ODM leader.
While Babu Owino has built a strong base in Nairobi, his recent return to the Nyalenda slums has reignited discussions about his potential to reclaim his “birthright” in the Lake Region.
For now, this “homeboy” has garnered respect from his Senator, but the quest for Nyanza’s leadership remains a complex puzzle without a clear victor.
