Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has proposed a coalition between his Mwananchi Party and the Sifuna’s Ukombozi People’s Party. His proposal would let different parties keep their own identities while operating jointly under Linda Mwananchi
A bloc of Western Kenya leaders within Linda Mwananchi has, however, rejected Babu’s proposal, insisting that Sifuna should contest the presidency under his own political outfit.
Speaking Friday in Central Nyakach, Kisumu County, Babu said the disagreement was about structure, not a personal rift with Sifuna. He pledged continued solidarity, saying the two would still push forward together through a coalition.
“Sifuna ni ndugu yangu; sitamuacha nyuma,” Babu said, maintaining that he would continue supporting the senator.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has grown increasingly defiant of Babu Owino’s role in Linda Mwananchi, pushing for the movement to operate independently of the Embakasi East MP and for his influence within the formation to be limited.
That push isn’t new. Back in July, Western leaders led by Natembeya and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi named Natembeya as the region’s point person for coordinating Sifuna’s campaign and resolved to unveil a party built specifically for that purpose.
More recently, at a funeral for Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s wife, ally Cleophas Malala publicly urged Khalwale to hand his own party over to Sifuna so he’d have a ready vehicle to run with.
Babu, who has declared his unwavering support for Sifuna, maintains he secured his party before Linda Mwananchi even existed and argues he should be free to keep it while he separately pursues the Nairobi governorship. He says this dual ambition doesn’t undercut his backing of Sifuna nationally.
