Raila Odinga's Supporters Say Babu Owino, Not Opiyo Wandayi, Best Placed To Succeed Baba

• Majority supporters of Raila Odinga argued that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was bold, charismatic and youthful, thus best fit to succeed Baba
• Those supporting Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said he looked mature and conducted himself better with well-calculated moves that would see him take over Luo politics after Raila
• Other Kenyans argued that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna would be the ideal candidate to steer forward Raila's national supporters

Over the weekend, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga ignited a debate about the succession of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Party leader Raila Odinga.

Oburu Oginga on Opiyo Wandayi

Oburu, who is Raila's eldest brother, made figurative statements that insinuated Ugunja MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi was slowly but surely taking over the mantle of Luo Political Kingpin from his younger sibling.

Speaking during a visit to a political activist in Siaya, Oburu said that Raila was never crowned to be the Luo community's political kingpin by anyone but seized every opportunity to offer leadership, and the reward was his current political status.

Likewise, he said that Wandayi had been, in recent years, reading Raila's thoughts and making similar moves that the Opposition leader made to rise to the helm of Luo politics, a position that many who have dreamt to seize have failed terribly.

Jalang'o on Raila Odinga's succession

It was interesting when Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwuor aka Mzee Jalas said that it was near impossible to convince the Luo community to listen to any other voice that contradicted Raila's.

He said the Luo community and Raila's supporters in general only listened to God and the Opposition leader; therefore, attempts to take over his empire were a herculean task.

Oburu's sentiments attracted mixed reactions but majority of Raila's supporters reaffirmed their support for Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as Raila's best successor as the latter gradually takes a low profile on active politics.

This was seen from responses made by Kenyans on a TUKO.co.ke Facebook poll seeking to establish who between Wandayi and Babu, they would prefer to take after Raila, popularly referred to as Baba.

While a section of online political enthusiasts acknowledged that Wandayi looked calm, gentle and firm, a bigger group of supporters said that Babu was young and loyal to the voters.

Babu's supporters premised their strength on Babu's charisma, which they likened to Raila's sentiments earlier shared by political pundit Professor Herman Manyora.

Babu Owino versus Opiyo Wandayi

Manyora described Babu as a young politician who was fast growing and learning the ropes of winning the people's support. He even said he would easily floor Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja if he contested for the city's gubernatorial seat in 2027.

The pundit observed that Babu is an unmatched mobiliser who is young and appeals to the younger generation, majority whom are registering as voters, and that being a loyal member of Raila's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) adds him bonus likability points.

Muriithi Winnie seemed to vindicate Manyora's line of thought, saying that the young politician's loyalty deserved a reward.

"Babu ni die hard wa baba (Babu is Raila's diehard), he deserves a reward," she said.

David Ndoli praised Babu Owino, saying he was the best choice to take forward Raila's legacy and best placed to win presidential elections in the future.

"Babu tosha, angekua ni babu ndio king pin hii kiti tungekua tusha chukua, uongozi sio kupewa ungozi unachukuliwa (Babu Owino has all it takes, if it were him contesting for presidency we would have won this seat. Power is never given, it is seized)," Ndoli said.

Lillian Ocholla had a different opinion, stating that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was her preferred choice to succeed Raila because he was brilliant and wise.

"Wandayi is too smooth and soft, Babu should take the mantle," said Tim Sanday.

Henry Zirim weighed in on the debate and concluded that Wandayi was the best choice but would not thrive because of tribal cards in the political sphere.

"Babu is very brave while Wandayi is so smooth to take the mantle so Babu is the best," Awiti Zainab wrote.

The succession of Raila will likely be among the top political discussions heading into 2027, with his co-principal in Azimio la Umoja Kalonzo Musyoka showing all signs of wanting to inherit Baba's kingdom.