ODM leader Raila Odinga's exit to the African Union leadership will not leave his political supporters as orphans, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has said.
He also said that there will be no political lacuna in the ODM party leadership as some politicians have speculated.
Raila has announced that he is interested in being elected the chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Since he declared interest, speculations have been high as some people cast doubt on the future of the ODM party.
They have hinted at a political paradigm shift in the party's perceived political strongholds, especially Nyanza, Western and Coast regions.
It is against this backdrop that the Embakasi MP dismissed the claims that the entry of Raila into the AU leadership will leave a vacuum in the party and Kenyan opposition politics.
The MP argued that they will ensure that opposition MPs play their oversight role against the government effectively.
“I pray for our leader Raila to succeed in his AU bid. But this shouldn't be misconstrued by Kenya Kwanza regime that they will joyride because we'll always stand firm to put it on toes," Owino said.
Speaking during the burial of philanthropist Bernard Onyango Owen at Gendia village in Karachuonyo constituency, Owino argued that the influence of Raila will not wane in Kenya even if he goes to AU headquarters in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
"Those who think we'll remain orphans are daydreaming. ODM party will remain strong and champion for the rights of Kenyans,” he said.
He was in the company of Homa Bay woman rep Joyce Osogo, Karachunyo MP Adipo Okuome and Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya.
Homa Bay County has set a precedent in Nyanza where all MPs and the governor get elected on ODM tickets since 2013.
This has been replicated in Migori, Kisumu and Siaya counties where governors, senators, women representatives and majority MPs were elected on ODM tickets.
“The success of ODM in securing many seats is attributed to Raila's good leadership. We'll continue rallying Kenyans to vote only ODM candidates and therefore there wouldn't be any vacuum,” Owino added.
Osogo said Raila's ambition to join the AU Commission should not be perceived as a situation that will make them politically vulnerable.
She argued that they support Raila’s move to the AU Commission, adding that it is wrong for anybody to call them political orphans.
“Our elections were based on merit and the same people will still elect them based on the good services they are offering them,” Osogo said.
Okuome argued that they will put robust measures for strengthening ODM.
This encompasses continuous membership registration.
“We are going to focus on membership registration to ensure ODM becomes stronger,” Okuome said.
The leaders including Owen's elder son Dan described the deceased as an astute leader who contributed to shaping the lives of many people in the area.
Dan said his father supported the education of children from the less fortunate families in the village.
“My father remained a pillar to many because he supported their education. We'll miss him dearly,” Dan said.