Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has defended meeting with ex-Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho denying any ill motive.
Speaking on Monday, Babu said the meeting was meant to discuss how to rejuvenate the Orange Party.
Joho on Sunday met a section of ODM including Babu, National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed and Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina.
The meeting was largely linked to factional wars by top brass to inherit ODM following Opposition Chief Raila Odinga’s declaration that he will be contesting the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
But speaking on Monday, Babu denied any ill motive adding that they were scheming on how to win the 2027 elections.
“Our meeting had no ill motive. We met to ensure ODM is rejuvenated,” Babu said.
“We met to make sure we produce a candidate who can beat Ruto in the next elections. We intend to build a formidable course to sort out Kenya’s economy.”
The vocal lawmaker however maintained that Raila remains the leader of ODM not withstanding his continental ambitions.
The Sunday meeting came against the backdrop of a vicious simmering power between ODM top brass on who should assume the leadership in the absence of Raila.
The fight is said to pit the two ODM deputy party leaders-Joho and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Raila last week endorsed the two to steer the outfit if his Africa Union bid succeeds.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has also declared that he too will be contesting for the ODM top position should Raila choose to step aside.
