Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino is now trying to elevate his status in Nyanza politics, The Standard has established.

The paper reports that the leader is keen on elevating himself before the Luo community, and is among those keen on taking over as the next Luo kingpin.

The Standard reports that he is among those trying to portray themselves as the next big thing, thanks to the anticipated retirement of ODM boss Raila Odinga.

The same, it is reported, is being done by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, hence his attempts to secure the National Assembly Majority Leader post to further stand out and better his chances.

This, the paper understands, has landed the two in trouble, and opened up a battle between them and politicians loyal to Raila and his reign in Nyanza.

Babu Owino eyeing to be Luo Nyanza kingpin

Political analyst and scientist Professor Erick Nyambedha said that any of the two can succeed in their mission without Raila’s endorsement, though his blessings can make the job easier.

“A political kingpin could be a combined product of Raila endorsement and the individual political efforts,” the commentator told the paper.

Babu has been very vocal lately, and was recently very vocal in bashing Raila’s party for allegedly trying to snatch the Azimio La Umoja PAC candidature from him, accusing the party of betrayal.

Wandayi, on the other hand, has also been seen firing shots at President William Ruto lately, also in an apparent bid to gain popularity and attention.