Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is scaling back his attendance at Linda Mwananchi rallies as he turns greater attention to his campaign for the Nairobi governorship, while insisting he remains firmly behind Edwin Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, September 15, Babu said he would continue attending some Linda Mwananchi events but would no longer be present at every rally because of his growing political commitments in Nairobi.
The MP said Nairobi’s size and political importance required a sustained campaign effort, pointing to the county’s 85 wards and large voter population.
“I want to shift my focus to Nairobi and deliver it to Linda Mwananchi,” Babu said.
His decision comes as he positions himself for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race, while continuing to campaign for Linda Mwananchi and Sifuna in the capital.
Babu was also keen to dismiss reports of disagreements between him and Sifuna, saying their separate political ambitions did not make them rivals.
He reiterated his support for Sifuna’s presidential bid, declaring that he would use his networks in Nairobi to mobilise support for the senator.
“I will support Sifuna as a presidential candidate in 2027. He is our presidential candidate,” Babu said.
The comments come amid growing discussion about the direction of Linda Mwananchi, with Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo both having presidential ambitions and the movement considering how to settle on a single candidate.
Babu’s own political plans have also added another layer to the movement’s developing strategy. He has said he had established his own political party before Linda Mwananchi was formed and intends to pursue his Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions.
For now, Babu says his reduced presence at national rallies should not be interpreted as abandoning Linda Mwananchi.
Instead, he says his focus will increasingly be on Nairobi, where he intends to build support for both his gubernatorial campaign and the movement’s presidential ambitions.
The developments come as political formations begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election, with Linda Mwananchi still working towards identifying a single presidential candidate.
Also Read: Milk Price Alert: Kenyans Now Paying KSh90 as Shortage Deepens