It’s curious that Sifuna has stayed silent on the controversy surrounding The Mwananchi Party, linked to Babu Owino.
Babu, for his part, maintains that he remains firmly behind Sifuna’s 2027 presidential bid. Sifuna, meanwhile, appears to be keeping his cards close to his chest, insisting that his own political party remains on course for unveiling in 10 days despite the recent wrangles over its name, registration with the ORPP, and branding.
We won’t jump to conclusions, but it’s worth asking: could Babu’s apparent claim over the Mwananchi Party be a smokescreen, deliberately stirring tension ahead of the big reveal?
Babu puts Mwananchi Party on the record
Owino on Thursday released an official letter from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) detailing the chronology behind the change of name from Muungano Party to The Mwananchi Party.
He said Linda Mwananchi principals first approached the ORPP on August 4 to seek clarification over the availability of the movement’s name.
The proposed name change was published in the Kenya Gazette on August 28. An objection filed by Lawrence Nzunga on August 30 was later withdrawn on September 8, after which the Registrar confirmed on September 10 that the change to The Mwananchi Party had taken effect.
“We are sharing the letter so that everyone can see the official chronology of the name change,” Babu said.
Could Babu be keeping the seat warm?
The timing makes Babu’s explanation particularly interesting. Babu has previously said he secured a political party before Linda Mwananchi was formed and has presented The Mwananchi Party as his vehicle for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race. At the same time, he has repeatedly maintained his support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
This raises another possibility: rather than the two politicians being locked in a straightforward fight over the movement’s political vehicle, could Babu be keeping The Mwananchi Party in the spotlight while Sifuna prepares to emerge as its presidential face?
Sifuna’s next move
Sifuna has been reported to be preparing to unveil a political party in early October, with October 1 previously cited as the expected date. Reports have linked him to the proposed Ukombozi People’s Party.
However, the proposed Ukombozi name has encountered a setback after the ORPP rejected it over similarities with The Ukombozi Alliance. That leaves the opposition’s political vehicle question unsettled.
If Sifuna ultimately unveils The Mwananchi Party, the apparent disagreement over Babu’s party would suddenly look very different.
It could suggest a behind-the-scenes collaboration in which Babu helped establish and publicly front the party while Sifuna prepared to take it up as the wider movement’s presidential vehicle.
