‘You’re bigger than the pond’: Babu to Winnie after ODM deputy endorsement

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino/FILE

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has weighed in on Winnie Odinga’s recent endorsement for a senior role in the Orange Democratic Movement, invoking a parable that appeared to signal a different political path.

Speaking a day after Nairobi ODM delegates backed Winnie for the position of deputy party leader, Babu narrated a story of a turtle that believed its pond was the largest kingdom until it encountered the ocean.

“I'll answer Winnie’s issue with a story that is told about a turtle that had a kingdom,” he said.

He explained that the turtle dismissed the idea of a bigger world beyond its pond, insisting its environment was the largest and most complete.

However, when it was later taken to the ocean, it discovered a vast expanse it could neither measure nor fully explore, challenging its earlier belief.

Through the parable, Babu suggested the turtle’s journey reflected the need to move beyond familiar limits and embrace a broader horizon.

“So I would like to tell Winnie that she’s bigger than the pond where she’s going. She should join the ocean,” Babu said.

While the MP did not directly explain what the “pond” or “ocean” represented, his remarks come at a time when Winnie’s political future has taken centre stage within ODM, following her endorsement by Nairobi delegates.

The endorsement, backed by representatives from all 17 constituencies in Nairobi County, was framed as an effort to address a leadership gap in the capital within the party’s top structure.

Makadara MP George Aladwa said consultations over two months informed the decision to front Winnie, who currently serves as an East African Legislative Assembly MP.

“We have had several meetings in the last two months to look for a representative. Every region has representation in the party. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left us with no representative in the Nairobi region,” Aladwa said.

“We, as 17 constituencies in Nairobi county, have proposed to have our EALA MP Winnie Odinga to represent us as deputy party leader,” he added.

Winnie’s endorsement comes as ODM continues to reorganise its leadership following the death of party leader Raila Odinga.

The party later endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the new party leader, marking a transition period within the outfit.

Babu’s remarks are likely to be interpreted within the broader political dynamics shaping ODM, where different leaders have taken varying positions on the party’s direction and future.

The MP has, in recent months, aligned himself with grassroots mobilisation efforts under the Linda Mwananchi initiative, positioning himself among leaders engaging directly with citizens outside formal party structures.

His latest statement, though delivered metaphorically, adds to the ongoing debate on Winnie’s political trajectory and the choices available to her as she rises within the party ranks.

Winnie, who began her regional legislative role after being elected to the East African Legislative Assembly, has increasingly taken on a more visible role in ODM affairs.

Babu’s message introduces a new dimension to the conversation, raising questions about whether emerging leaders will remain within existing structures or explore broader political spaces.