Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed allegations that former president Uhuru Kenyatta is financing the ongoing Linda Mwananchi political rallies, insisting the movement relies solely on contributions from its members and supporters. His remarks come as tensions continue to simmer within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking amid the growing internal rift, Babu argued that the retired head of state has no political incentive to bankroll the activities. He maintained that Kenyatta has already completed his presidential tenure and is not interested in pursuing further political ambitions. According to the legislator, linking the former president to the rallies is misguided and lacks factual basis.
Babu emphasised that the Linda Mwananchi initiative is sustained through small, voluntary contributions from participants. He said leaders and supporters pool resources whenever they organise events, adding that the movement remains independent of any external financial backing. The MP questioned what benefit Kenyatta would gain from supporting the rallies, reiterating that the former president is not involved in the mobilisation.
The clarification comes after a section of ODM leaders aligned to the rival Linda Ground faction claimed Kenyatta was bankrolling the parallel political activities. The accusations have deepened divisions within the party, with both camps holding separate meetings and advancing competing political narratives.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has also defended the Linda Mwananchi wing, echoing Babu’s position that the group funds its own programmes. Omondi noted that some leaders within the faction have historically financed party operations from personal resources. He revealed that he personally contributed between Sh600 million and Sh700 million toward ODM campaigns during the 2013 General Election.
Despite the escalating supremacy contest, Linda Mwananchi leaders continue to insist their activities are driven by grassroots goodwill and member support rather than outside financiers.
