Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has dismissed allegations that he banged a table in frustration over the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s stance on his political ambitions.
In an interview on August 12, 2026, Babu Owino emphasized that he holds Raila Odinga in high regard as his political mentor and elder, and categorically denied any disrespectful behaviour during the meeting involving several ODM leaders.
"We were in a meeting with George Aladwa, Mark Mwenje, Julius Mawathe, Anthony Oluoch, Peter Orero, and Jalang’o. I did not bang any table on Baba Raila Odinga. Baba was my leader, and I respect the elders," Babu stated.
The ODM lawmaker also noted that Raila never publicly accused him of disrespect while alive, suggesting that such claims have emerged only after the former leader’s passing.
He expressed concern that some individuals are exploiting Raila’s death to spread unverified stories, complicating the true narrative of their interactions.
Gaucho’s Allegations
These clarifications follow claims by Calvin Okoth, known as Gaucho, who alleged that Raila told him Babu banged a table after failing to secure the Public Accounts Committee chairmanship. Gaucho said Raila indicated that Babu’s frustration was linked to his denied ambition and his presidential aspirations.
Insights from Raila’s Former Aide
Additionally, Raila’s former aide Dennis Onyango revealed that Raila saw Babu as an impatient politician advancing too quickly within the Jaramogi succession framework, potentially disrupting established political order.
Onyango explained that Raila was wary of Babu’s rapid rise, especially as other leaders awaited their turn in the succession line.
Despite these perceptions, Babu Owino rejected the portrayal of Raila’s views as accurate and vowed to continue pursuing his political goals unabated.
