Who Is the Next Nyanza Kingpin? Is It Babu Owino, Oburu Odinga, or Miguna?

Former Prime Minister Raila died on October 15, 2025, in Koothattukulam, Kerala, India, from cardiac failure during treatment for a minor stroke, marking the end of an era for Kenyan opposition politics and the Luo community in Nyanza.

The death of Raila, who served as the Nyanza Kingpin for several decades, leaves a huge vacuum not only in the leadership of the country but also in his home turf.

With Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement in flux, the scramble to succeed the former Prime Minister is expected to intensify in the coming months. Among his potential heirs to the Nyanza kingship are Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, Senator Oburu Odinga, Governor James Orengo, Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and vocal advocate Miguna Miguna.

The Legacy of Raila and Nyanza’s Political Dynasty

The late Raila Odinga was well known for his fight for democracy in Kenya during the early 1990s, which led to his detention under the regime of President Daniel arap Moi. Apart from championing multiparty democracy, Raila served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013.

Throughout his later years contesting for the presidency, he enjoyed over 80% Luo voter loyalty in the Nyanza region. With this immense support in his home turf, Mr. Odinga was regarded as one of the strongest opposition leaders in Kenya’s history. Following his death, there will undoubtedly be huge shoes to fill not only in leading the ODM party but also in steering the Nyanza region.

In this segment, Times Digital Kenya highlights some of the leaders expected to battle for the Nyanza kingship.

Babu Owino

Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, is one of the political protégés of the late Raila Odinga and is expected to be among the top contenders to succeed him as the Nyanza region kingpin.

Babu Owino, 36, has served as the Embakasi East Member of Parliament from 2013 to date. His close relationship with Raila has greatly helped him gain massive support in the Nyanza region. He has also won the hearts of many urban youths and Luo millennials, thanks to his active social media presence and bold anti-government rhetoric.

In a recent interview with a local radio station, Babu Owino stated that he will eventually succeed Raila as the Nyanza kingpin, claiming that some leaders, such as Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, have opposed him on grounds that he is too young.

However, Babu vowed never to give up on his dream of becoming the Nyanza kingpin once Raila Odinga is no longer politically active.

Oburu Odinga

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, the elder brother of Raila Odinga, is also seen as a leader capable of succeeding Raila’s Nyanza kingship despite his age. Oburu, 82, might rely on his position as the family patriarch to win the support of Raila’s loyal followers from the Nyanza region.

However, he might face stiff competition from the likes of Babu Owino and other younger leaders who may resonate more with the younger generation.

Miguna Miguna

Canada-based Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna, a former adviser to Raila Odinga, is another popular leader from the Nyanza region. Since their fallout, Miguna has been a harsh critic of the former premier, commenting not only on issues affecting the Nyanza region but also on national matters.

With the death of the veteran politician, Miguna is among the leaders from the region expected to battle for the Nyanza throne. Nevertheless, his frequent attacks on Odinga might be a stumbling block as he tries to persuade Nyanza residents.

Other notable names in the race to succeed Raila Odinga’s kingship include Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Opiyo Wandayi, among others.

Who among these leaders is capable of filling Raila’s shoes in the Nyanza region?

The post Who Is the Next Nyanza Kingpin? Is It Babu Owino, Oburu Odinga, or Miguna? appeared first on Times Digital Kenya.