Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions while confirming his own bid for the Nairobi governorship in the 2027 elections. The outspoken legislator also unveiled his own political party, signaling a major shift in the capital’s political landscape.
Speaking at a Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi, Owino declared his full support for Sifuna’s presidential campaign. “I am supporting Sifuna for president. A hundred percent,” he told supporters, pledging to mobilize Nairobi’s estimated 2.5 million registered voters for the senator. His endorsement comes at a time when opposition leaders are seeking to consolidate their base ahead of the next general election.
Owino confirmed that he will contest for the Nairobi governorship, a seat currently eyed by several prominent figures. He explained that his decision to scale back participation in national Linda Mwananchi rallies was strategic, allowing him to concentrate on campaigning across Nairobi’s 85 wards. “Nairobi is the heartbeat of Kenya’s politics. Winning here means shaping the national conversation,” he said. The legislator, who has served Embakasi East since 2017, believes his grassroots mobilization skills will give him an edge in the city’s competitive race. His campaign is expected to focus on youth empowerment, education, and urban development.
In a move that depicts his growing independence, Owino unveiled his own political party after falling out with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the governorship ticket. He has taken over and rebranded the Muungano Party into the Mwananchi Party, which he intends to use as his political vehicle in 2027. Owino emphasized the importance of coalition-building, noting that past alliances such as NASA in 2017 and Azimio in 2022 played critical roles in shaping Kenya’s political outcomes. “Unity is strength. We must come together to challenge the ruling establishment,” he said.
Despite his endorsement of Sifuna, reports indicate growing tensions within the Linda Mwananchi movement. Sources close to the coalition suggest a power struggle between Owino and Sifuna over which party should serve as the movement’s electoral vehicle. While Owino is pushing the Mwananchi Party, Sifuna is said to favor the Ukombozi People’s Party. Political analysts warn that such divisions could weaken the movement’s ability to mount a formidable challenge in 2027. However, both leaders have publicly maintained that their partnership remains intact.
With nearly 2.5 million registered voters, Nairobi is expected to be one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in the upcoming elections. Owino’s decision to focus on the city reflects its strategic importance. His strong presence in Embakasi East, coupled with his reputation as a vocal defender of youth interests, could bolster his chances. At the same time, his governorship bid will likely face stiff competition from seasoned politicians and technocrats seeking to control Kenya’s capital. Observers note that Owino’s success will depend on his ability to expand his appeal beyond his traditional youthful base.
Babu Owino’s endorsement of Edwin Sifuna for president and his declaration to run for Nairobi governor mark a significant turning point in his political career. By launching his own party and concentrating on Nairobi’s electorate, Owino is positioning himself as a key player in shaping Kenya’s opposition politics ahead of 2027. Whether his strategy will strengthen or fracture the Linda Mwananchi movement remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Nairobi’s political stage is set for a fierce contest, with Owino at the center of the unfolding drama.
