Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has firmly rejected claims of a political divide between him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. He has reiterated his unwavering support for Sifuna, a fellow co-principal in the Linda Mwananchi movement, as they prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Babu encourages Sifuna to continue engaging with other opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
During a meeting with youth on August 26, 2026, Babu dismissed any reports suggesting he has withdrawn support for Sifuna’s presidential aspirations. He characterized these rumors as attempts to sow discord within the opposition and diminish its capacity to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.
He called on his supporters to stand resolutely behind Sifuna, emphasizing that their political alliance is rooted in grassroots collaboration and should not be weakened by online speculation.
“I urge everyone to unite, to support Sifuna as my brother and to support me as well. Let’s move forward together and elevate our brother Sifuna,” Babu stated.
The MP asserted that the opposition can only effectively contest the Kenya Kwanza administration if its leaders prioritize unity over personal differences.
“We face a common challenge as Kenyans, and that challenge is this government, which is failing us. How can we expect to improve our lives without coming together?” he urged.
“To remove this government, the opposition must stand united. Together, we can find solutions, but division will lead us nowhere.”
Babu refuted claims of discord with Sifuna, emphasizing that their partnership is intentional and has grown organically from the grassroots level.
“My brother, with whom I started this journey, why would I wish to distance myself from him? If I wanted to part ways, we wouldn’t have united in the first place. We must remain united to confront this government,” he affirmed.
Babu’s remarks followed his comments in Homa Bay regarding Kalonzo Musyoka, which some interpreted as a sign of differing political loyalties between him and Sifuna.
He clarified that supporting Kalonzo does not equate to abandoning Sifuna.
“When I mention Kalonzo in Homa Bay, it does not mean I reject Sifuna. If we allow these two leaders to be at odds, we risk enabling Ruto’s return to power,” he warned.
This statement underscores the critical importance Babu places on opposition unity as political leaders strategize for the upcoming 2027 election.
He also accused the government of attempting to fracture the opposition, alleging that bloggers and online influencers are being mobilized to target opposition figures, though he did not provide specific evidence for these claims.
“The government will not rest; they will deploy bloggers and online detractors to attack us. When we take our message to the ground, they will have their supporters ready to confront us,” Babu highlighted.
Despite the anticipated political challenges, Babu affirmed that opposition leaders will respond with unity and faith rather than resorting to violence.
“They may come at us with goons and weapons, but we shall stand firm in the name of Almighty God. It is God who will fight our battles,” he declared.
Babu’s statements come at a time when opposition figures are actively seeking alliances and political partnerships in preparation for the 2027 General Election. His latest comments aim to clarify his relationship with Sifuna while emphasizing that any divisions within the opposition could inadvertently strengthen Ruto’s position in the upcoming presidential race.
