Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has emerged as the most preferred leader to succeed veteran opposition icon Raila Odinga as the Luo political kingpin, according to a recent Info Trak survey report.
The poll places the outspoken ODM legislator well ahead of other senior leaders from the region, pointing to a possible generational shift in Luo political leadership.
According to the Info Trak survey, 33 per cent of respondents identified Babu Owino as the best placed leader to inherit Raila Odinga’s political influence. He was followed distantly by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga at 10 per cent, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga at 7 per cent, and Siaya Governor James Orengo at 4 per cent. Other leaders, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, polled at 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively.
The survey further revealed that a significant 37 per cent of respondents were undecided, underscoring the complexity of succession politics within the Luo community and the absence of a universally agreed heir to Raila Odinga’s long-held influence.
Infotrak attributes Babu Owino’s strong showing to his high visibility in national politics, his vocal presence in Parliament, and his consistent defense of ODM positions.
Respondents also cited his appeal among the youth, his legal background, and his combative political style, which many say mirrors Raila Odinga’s earlier years in opposition politics.
While the poll confirms that Raila Odinga remains the undisputed Luo kingpin, it notes that discussions around succession have intensified as the veteran politician increasingly shifts focus away from active electoral contests. In that context, Babu Owino’s lead in the survey positions him as the most prominent face of the next generation of Luo leadership.
Political analysts caution, however, that polling numbers alone may not determine succession, noting that consensus-building, party structures, and regional unity will play a crucial role.
Nevertheless, the Info Trak findings highlight a clear trend: Babu Owino has taken an early lead in the race to inherit Raila Odinga’s political mantle, even as the debate over Luo leadership succession continues to evolve.
