Babu Owino Rebukes Caleb Amisi Over Linda Mwananchi Criticism as Rift Rocks Opposition Movement
By Staff Reporter
A fresh public disagreement has emerged within the opposition-aligned Linda Mwananchi movement after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino publicly criticised Saboti MP Caleb Amisi for taking internal grievances to the public, insisting disputes should be resolved through dialogue among leaders rather than on social media and public platforms.
The remarks expose growing tensions within the political movement that has increasingly positioned itself as a rallying point for government critics and reform advocates ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a public address, Owino urged Amisi to engage fellow leaders directly instead of airing concerns before the public, warning that such disputes could weaken the movement’s unity at a time when it seeks to champion the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
“About my brother Caleb, he knows how to solve issues. He is a leader. When he has concerns, he should call fellow leaders, and we sit down. We don’t want to see such matters on the internet and other platforms. He is addressing the wrong people,” Owino said.
The Embakasi East legislator defended the Linda Mwananchi movement, dismissing criticism directed at the organisation and reaffirming its commitment to pushing for reforms and protecting the interests of citizens.
“As people of Linda Mwananchi, we do not accept any nonsensical statements against Linda Mwananchi. Linda Mwananchi must remain strong. If we are to unite, we must unite with those who matter so that we can fight for the interests of Kenyans,” he added.
Owino’s response followed comments by Amisi, who claimed the movement had strayed from its original mission despite revealing that he was among its principal founders.
The Saboti MP argued that while Linda Mwananchi began with noble intentions, its current direction no longer reflected the vision upon which it was established.
“What I’ve said is that they have deviated from the original plan; they have to come back. But at the same time, you do not just feel sorry and sit down. You must achieve. You must continue,” Amisi said.
Amisi disclosed that he is now working with a team to establish what he described as a “People’s Movement” or “Renaissance Movement” aimed at reshaping Kenya’s political leadership by supporting credible candidates in future elections.
According to the legislator, the initiative will prioritise integrity and competence rather than age, arguing that leadership should be determined by character instead of generational identity.
“I have a team of people who are drawing. Very soon, I’ll start a movement. The purpose of this movement is to ensure that a new crop of leaders is elected. It’s not about youths. People think being clean is being young. No. Some old people are credible. The matter is their credibility,” he said.
Amisi further maintained that he conceived the Linda Mwananchi movement and personally brought together several young political leaders under the platform in response to growing public frustration with Kenya’s political establishment.
“You know how I started this thing? And I always repeat it, and I’m the one who started Linda Mwananchi,” he stated.
The Saboti MP explained that the movement was never intended to exist solely as an anti-establishment platform but rather as a political vehicle capable of nurturing emerging leaders and providing them with an organised structure ahead of future elections.
Pointing to recent opposition rallies across the country, Amisi argued that Kenyans had already demonstrated a desire for a new political direction.
“The message was clear. Did you see the rallies? People want something different,” he said.
The exchange marks one of the clearest signs yet of internal differences within the Linda Mwananchi movement as leaders debate its future direction while positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 political contest.
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