Babu Owino hints at ditching ODM

By Robert Mutasi 

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has spoken about parting ways with the Orange Democratic Movement party.

This is after he disagreed with the move of ODM members who joined the government as Cabinet Secretaries. 

The move of ODM members joining President Ruto's administration elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans, majority believing ODM has joined the government. 

Owino stated that the four ODM members joined the government as individuals and not as a party.

Speaking to the press, on Monday, August 12, 2024, Owino said time has come for him to make a political move. 

"There is a time and season for everything," said Owino. 

The MP cited the Biblical verse explaining his decision to leave ODM. 

"... One day Jesus passed by in front of this man, the crippled man by the pool side laying on his mat and asked him, 'What can I do for you?' The man said I have been staying here for 38 years crippled waiting to jump inside the pool but every time my turn reaches another man jumps inside because he has no means to jump and Jesus just told him, carry your mat and go Home, Jesus healed him, " he quoted. 

".. And the man carried his mat, he did not leave his mat down and the mat was the sign of him carrying his challenges, he did not leave the challenges to carry him, so he carried his mat but initially used to sit on his challenges on his mat. So this is relatable, " added Owino. 

President William Ruto created a broad-based government including some members from the opposition alignment. 

Kenyans seemed to embrace the broad-based government since it includes every Kenyan. 

The decision of ODM joining the government has caused rifts in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.