Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s public confrontation with political commentator Abbie Zuena at Sunday’s Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi has raised questions among some supporters of presidential hopeful Edwin Sifuna.
Owino appeared to take issue with Zuena while addressing the crowd at Jacaranda Grounds, telling her to avoid what he described as “mischief” within the movement.
“I have seen you, Abby, but be a good person; we do not want mischief here,” Owino told her during the rally.
The incident has attracted attention because Zuena has been a vocal supporter of both Sifuna and Owino and has actively participated in Linda Mwananchi activities.
Just days before the rally, Zuena had publicly discussed the movement’s proposed political future, including the possibility of forming a political party.
She suggested that Sifuna should be the presidential candidate, while Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo could occupy senior leadership positions within the proposed party.
Her remarks appeared to present a political structure in which Sifuna would lead the presidential race while Owino and Orengo would help run the political vehicle. That position, however, appeared to clash with the message Owino delivered when he publicly cautioned her at Jacaranda.
The confrontation has consequently fueled speculation among some Sifuna supporters about Owino’s intentions within Linda Mwananchi, particularly as the movement moves closer to establishing a political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
The concerns are amplified by Owino’s own political ambitions. The Embakasi East MP is seeking the Nairobi governorship in 2027, while Sifuna is positioning himself for the presidency. Owino therefore has a major political stake in the movement beyond simply supporting Sifuna.
