University of Nairobi Student Organization Chairman Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has been tipped to be opposition leader Raila Odinga’s heir in Kenyan politics.
Owino has led the largest institution of higher learning in a period accumulating to four years and is set to contest for Embakasi East parliamentary seat.
Political scientist and historian Nyachieo Bogonko in his Tuesday’s interview with the reporter insisted that the flamboyant student leader had ‘traits’ and zeal that replicates Mr. Odinga’s younger days.
“The question has been asked for a long time as to who should replace Raila once he exits active politics. I once thought it could me Marende (Kenneth) but he left ODM. Later I believed it could be Ababu Namwamba but he has also left,” he said.
“But I see Babu Owino being now the right person. He has the zeal and traits that Odinga had during his younger days. He has emulated him and I think as it stands, he can be an automatic heir of Odinga if he continues working closely with him,” he said.
Asked why he ruled out Siaya Senator James Orengo who was once time a Raila rival cum friend, Bogonko simply said Orengo’ chance dwindled when Jaramogi Oginga Odinga died in 1994.
“When Oginga died in 1994, Orengo was one of the smartest politicians in Luo Nyanza at that time. However, he miscalculated and Raila surpassed him. I don’t see him regaining. Owino has the biggest chance and all he needs to do is to work closely with Raila and learn from him all times. He can be a great leader in future,” he said.