Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has emerged as the most preferred political figure to succeed the late Raila Odinga as the dominant leader of the Luo community, according to a new opinion poll released on Sunday, December 28.
The end-of-year survey by Infotrak Research & Consulting shows that Owino garnered 33 per cent support from respondents when asked who should be the next Luo political kingpin, placing him well ahead of his closest rival, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, who scored 10 per cent. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga came third at seven per cent, while Siaya Governor James Orengo received four per cent of support.
Other political figures featured lower down the list, with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo each polling two per cent, and several others – including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o – recording one per cent each. Notably, 37 per cent of respondents said they were unsure who would succeed Raila Odinga as the Luo community’s leading figure.
The poll, conducted on December 19 and 20 across all 47 counties, aimed to gauge public sentiment on leadership succession following the death of the veteran opposition leader. While Owino’s strong showing highlights his growing prominence within his ethnic base, analysts note that a significant portion of respondents remain undecided, underscoring lingering uncertainty in the political landscape.
Despite topping the Luo kingpin rankings, Owino’s national appeal appears more modest; only seven per cent of those surveyed said they would support him in a general presidential contest if elections were held today.
As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the survey results add a new dimension to ongoing discussions about emerging leadership in both regional and national politics. #BabuOwino