Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has detailed an initiative to form a coalition between The Mwananchi Party and the Ukombozi People’s Party, aiming to unify opposition leaders under the Linda Mwananchi movement as they address their differences regarding the political strategy for the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Babu expressed his unwavering support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential aspirations, despite the public disagreements regarding which party should represent Linda Mwananchi in the next election.
While attending the funeral of Jeremiah Kisero in Central Nyakach, Kisumu County, on September 18, 2026, Babu emphasized that his political alliance with Sifuna remains strong, despite the ongoing discussions surrounding the movement.
“Sifuna is my brother; I will not leave him behind. I stand with him in solidarity. Together, we will promote Sifuna as our presidential candidate and form a coalition, with Sifuna leading Ukombozi and myself leading The Mwananchi Party,” Babu stated.
Babu advocates for a two-party coalition, asserting that differences in political affiliation should not detract from the overarching goal of Linda Mwananchi. He believes that various parties can maintain their unique identities while collaborating effectively within a coalition framework.
“As we move forward, we will form the Linda Mwananchi coalition,” Babu indicated, hinting at a potential arrangement where Sifuna leads Ukombozi while he continues to guide The Mwananchi Party.
Previously, Babu has argued that a coalition structure would allow for a diverse representation of political interests as they approach the 2027 elections.
“We will initiate the coalition with Linda Mwananchi, as we strive to create a larger coalition with those committed to an alternative government,” he asserted.
This latest stance follows emerging disputes among leaders of Linda Mwananchi regarding the political vehicle to support Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
The roots of the disagreement lie in Babu’s assertion that he established his own political party prior to the formation of Linda Mwananchi, intending for it to serve as the movement’s political vehicle.
Earlier in September, Babu revealed that his decision to create a political party was driven by his aspirations to contest the Nairobi governorship, coupled with his belief that ODM would not back his candidacy.
The tension escalated when discussions introduced the Ukombozi People’s Party into Linda Mwananchi, subsequently linking Sifuna to this party as a potential vehicle for his presidential campaign.
“I reached out to Sifuna, met him in his office, and inquired about the Ukombozi political party. Since then, there has been some back-and-forth,” Babu explained.
This disagreement has positioned Babu’s preference for The Mwananchi Party against calls from Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and other leaders advocating for Sifuna to run under the Ukombozi People’s Party.
Natembeya has publicly endorsed Ukombozi as the platform for Sifuna’s presidential bid, highlighting the political rift over Linda Mwananchi’s structure.
Despite the public discord regarding the political vehicle, Babu has consistently denied any personal fallout with Sifuna.
He has characterized Sifuna as a political ally with whom he has navigated challenging moments, including turbulent times within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Babu insists that the disagreement should be regarded as an organizational issue, not a personal conflict between the two leaders.
“Sifuna is my brother, and I will not leave him behind because we started this journey together,” Babu affirmed.
He reiterated his commitment to mobilizing support for Sifuna and backing him as the presidential candidate for Linda Mwananchi.
Babu’s position emerges amidst reports of rising tensions within the movement, with factions advocating for different political parties to spearhead its presidential campaign. Reports have indicated Babu’s preference for The Mwananchi Party, while Sifuna has leaned toward the Ukombozi People’s Party.
As Linda Mwananchi prepares for the 2027 General Election, it seeks to solidify its position and engage with other opposition groups for a broader coalition.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, the movement’s spokesperson, stated on September 14, 2026, that Linda Mwananchi has endorsed Sifuna as its preferred presidential candidate ahead of negotiations with other opposition parties.
“We must be clear: Linda Mwananchi will nominate Edwin Sifuna as our flag bearer,” Omondi declared.
Babu’s latest proposal, however, presents an alternative model where The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi can preserve their distinct identities while functioning within a broader Linda Mwananchi coalition.
This arrangement could enable Sifuna to seek the presidency through Ukombozi while allowing Babu to maintain leadership of his party and pursue his political ambitions in Nairobi.
For now, Babu remains steadfast in his belief that the party debate should not jeopardize his political partnership with Sifuna, affirming that both can pursue their respective interests while collectively supporting a unified presidential bid under the Linda Mwananchi banner.
