Babu Owino reveals plans to unite The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi Party under Linda Mwananchi

Embark on a journey through the unfolding political landscape as Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino unveils his vision for a united front between The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi People’s Party under the banner of Linda Mwananchi. Amidst the clamor for a cohesive opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election, Babu has taken a decisive stance, outlining his commitment to supporting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions while maintaining a robust political relationship with Sifuna.

In a speech shared on September 18, 2026, during a poignant funeral in Central Nyakach, Kisumu County, Babu emphasized the importance of unity over dissent. "Sifuna ni ndugu yangu; sitamuacha nyuma; nitakuwa na yeye in solidarity. Tutasukuma Sifuna kama Presidential candidate; we form a coalition. Sifuna as Ukombozi Party Leader and Babu as The Mwananchi Party Leader," he declared, signaling a potential coalition where Sifuna leads Ukombozi and Babu retains the helm of The Mwananchi Party.

This arrangement, according to Babu, would not dilute but rather enhance the movement's capacity to accommodate diverse political interests ahead of the electoral showdown.

The genesis of this coalition talks stems from a recent rift within Linda Mwananchi over the selection of a political vehicle for Sifuna's presidential aspirations. Babu, who has been vocal about his own political party's candidacy ahead of the formation of Linda Mwananchi, argued that the party's pre-existence warranted its role in supporting the movement.

His stance was partly influenced by his intention to contest the Nairobi governorship, a move he believed the opposition Democratic Party of Kenya (ODM) would not endorse.

This disagreement emerged as a contentious issue among Linda Mwananchi leaders, with Babu advocating for a coalition structure that would preserve the distinct identities of The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi while working cohesively under the banner of Linda Mwananchi. "We’ll start the coalition with Linda Mwananchi because ultimately we must have a big coalition with those in the alternative government," Babu asserted, underscoring the strategic importance of aligning different political factions under a unified platform.

The tension between Babu’s proposal for The Mwananchi Party and that of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who backs Ukombozi as the presidential vehicle for Sifuna, has further complicated the political equation. Natembeya's backing of Ukombozi has created a clear divide, yet Babu has staunchly denied any personal conflict with Sifuna, describing the disagreement as a matter of political organization rather than a personal vendetta.

Babu’s proposal is part of a broader strategy to position Linda Mwananchi favorably in the run-up to the 2027 General Election. The movement has been actively courting other opposition formations, aiming to form a larger coalition that could tip the scales in favor of a strong alternative government. Babu’s latest proposal, which allows for The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi to retain their identities while operating under a unified umbrella, represents a pragmatic approach to navigating the complex political terrain ahead.

Regardless of the outcome, Babu remains resolute in his support for Sifuna, vowing to mobilize resources and backing for the senator's presidential campaign as part of the Linda Mwananchi coalition.