MP Babu Owino Emerges as Leading Sucessor To Raila Odinga In New Infotrak Poll

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has been identified as the leading figure likely to succeed the late Raila Odinga as the dominant leader of the Luo community, according to a recent opinion poll conducted by Infotrak research firm.

The survey, carried out in December 2025, reflects public sentiment regarding leadership preferences within the Luo community following the passing of the veteran opposition leader.

The Infotrak survey, which sampled 1,000 respondents drawn from all 47 counties and analyzed by region, age, and gender, showed that 33 percent of respondents consider Babu Owino as the most probable successor to Raila Odinga.

The lawmaker, who is also a gubernatorial aspirant in Nairobi, leads a list of potential successors, highlighting his rising influence among Luo voters and his prominence in national politics.

ODM party leader Oburu Odinga was the second most preferred choice, securing 10 percent of the respondents’ support. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga placed third with seven percent, while Siaya Senator James Orengo garnered four percent.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo each received two percent support. Other political figures, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, lawyer Miguna Miguna, Winnie Odinga, and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, recorded one percent each.

The survey also highlighted significant uncertainty within the Luo community, with 37 percent of respondents indicating they were unsure who would assume leadership after Raila Odinga’s passing.

This uncertainty reflects a transitional period in Luo politics, as communities adjust to the absence of the long-standing political figure.

Infotrak clarified that the survey focused on perceived leadership qualities and influence rather than formal party positions.

This approach allowed the poll to capture public perception of emerging power centers within Luo politics and gauge which individuals are seen as capable of continuing Raila Odinga’s legacy.

cohesion and advocacy for national reforms, continues to influence political alignments and voter expectations.

Babu Owino’s rising popularity, particularly among the youth and urban constituencies, signals a shift towards a more assertive and ambitious leadership style in the Luo community.

While Oburu Odinga remains the official party leader of ODM, the poll suggests that leadership influence within the community is increasingly evaluated based on charisma, visibility, and perceived ability to lead effectively.

The poll results also revealed generational and demographic differences in leadership preferences. 

While Babu Owino leads nationally, regional analyses show that younger voters may favor dynamic and youthful leaders, whereas older respondents may lean towards figures with longstanding political experience and community ties.

Gender-based analysis further indicated varying perceptions of leadership capability and influence, suggesting a complex and multifaceted view of succession among the Luo population.

Political analysts note that the findings provide an early snapshot of public sentiment but caution that the political landscape remains fluid.

Preferences could shift as party dynamics evolve and the 2027 general election approaches, with new alliances, leadership endorsements, and regional strategies potentially altering voter sentiment.

The succession question emerges amid broader political realignments within Kenya, particularly as ODM strongholds adjust to the absence of Raila Odinga, who had dominated Luo politics for decades.