Babu Owino Unveils The Mwananchi Party as Political Vehicle Ahead of 2027

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has identified The Mwananchi Party (TMP) as the political vehicle he intends to use in the 2027 General Election, including his bid for the Nairobi governor’s seat.

Babu made the announcement on Friday, September 18, while attending the burial of Teacher Jeremiah Kisero in Central Nyakach, Kisumu County.

Kisero was the brother of Kisero Jr., a friend of Babu and the president of Kenya Methodist University (KeMU).

Speaking during the ceremony, Babu also sought to downplay reports of divisions between him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over the political direction of the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Babu Explains Party Arrangement

Babu said Sifuna would lead the Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), while he would serve as the leader of The Mwananchi Party.

He suggested that the two parties could work together through a coalition while remaining part of the broader Linda Mwananchi political movement.

“[Sifuna] will be party leader of Ukombozi People’s Party. Babu, party leader as well, of The Mwananchi Party. Do you agree or not?” he asked.

Babu also reiterated his support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, saying he would campaign for the Nairobi senator under the Linda Mwananchi platform.

“We will support Sifuna as the presidential candidate for Linda Mwananchi. We will form a coalition within Linda Mwananchi, then form another with the broader United Opposition,” Babu said.

The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi

Babu is reported to have acquired former Kitui Governor Kivutha Kibwana’s Muungano Party, which has since reportedly been rebranded as The Mwananchi Party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, Ukombozi People’s Party is reportedly a rebranded version of the United Democratic Party (UDP), which was previously associated with the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo.

The emerging arrangement would allow Babu and Sifuna to maintain separate party structures while continuing to operate within the wider Linda Mwananchi movement.

Party Dispute Raises Questions Within Linda Mwananchi

Babu’s latest remarks come days after he disclosed that he had already secured a political party before Linda Mwananchi was formed.

The choice of political vehicle has since become a point of disagreement within the movement, with Babu pushing The Mwananchi Party while Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has backed Ukombozi People’s Party for Sifuna’s presidential bid.

The competing positions have prompted questions about the movement’s leadership structure and the political arrangements it will adopt ahead of the 2027 General Election.

However, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has dismissed reports of a serious split within Linda Mwananchi.

Osotsi has described the disagreements as part of the normal challenges that arise within political movements and accused the State of attempting to divide the opposition outfit.

Parties Face Key Electoral Deadline

The debate over Linda Mwananchi’s political vehicle comes as parties prepare for key electoral milestones ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Political parties are required to submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorised officials to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by October 15, 2026.