Babu Owino hits out at ODM for ‘betrayal’
Embakasi East lawmaker Babu Owino has accused Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party of betraying him and other youth.
The outspoken Owino, born Paul Ongili, made the comments on his socials on Thursday evening.
He revisited how he’d sacrificed and served the popular political outfit for many years and even invested his personal resources only to be ‘short-circuited’.
Owino also claimed, but without sharing evidence, that he’d been blackmailed by the party.
ODM Party, so many youth and myself sacrificed a lot and used our resources in the party over the years, our pay is betrayal and blackmail . It is OK. Tomorrow is another day.
— Babu Owino (@HEBabuOwino) September 22, 2022
The lawmaker’s statement comes amidst a battle within the party over sharing of house leadership positions in the National Assembly.
At the heart of the wrangles is the majority leader position which has been handed to Ugunja lawmaker Opiyo Wandayi.
The decision drew the wraith of John Mbadi, a nominated MP who doubles up as chairman of the party.
Mbadi says the move to reward Opiyo with the party position was an act of betrayal.
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Owino is serving his second term in the National Assembly.
He has in recent times consistently accused former president Uhuru Kenyatta of politically shortchanging ODM party leader Odinga.
The fallout comes as the party is still smarting from an electoral defeat to President William Ruto in the August 2022 polls.
And in a related development, Narok senator, Ledama Olekina has appeared to throw his weight behind Babu Owino.
He said: “It’s about time we demand what is ours. Enough of always being kept in arms’ way while others chill in their cribs and are rewarded with the lion’s share of party positions.”