A political disagreement between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has put the spotlight on their competing ambitions as Kenya’s 2027 political contest begins to take shape.
The reported tensions come as both politicians remain publicly associated with the wider political movement around Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, while Babu has increasingly focused on his own bid for the Nairobi governorship.
Babu has dismissed reports of a political fallout with Sifuna, insisting that the two remain political allies despite pursuing different positions.
The Embakasi East MP has also reaffirmed his support for Sifuna’s presidential bid, while making clear that his immediate political focus is Nairobi, according to recent reports.
Babu shifts focus to Nairobi
Babu has indicated that he will not attend every Linda Mwananchi rally as he concentrates on his campaign for the Nairobi governorship.
The development has fuelled speculation about how the two politicians will manage their respective political campaigns as the 2027 election approaches.
However, Babu has publicly rejected suggestions that his decision represents a break with Sifuna.
The two have continued to appear politically aligned on Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, even as their individual electoral objectives increasingly diverge.
Sifuna’s presidential ambitions
Sifuna has been stepping up his political mobilisation and public engagements as he seeks to build support for a presidential bid.
His recent Linda Mwananchi activities have attracted significant attention, including a major rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds on September 13, 2026.
The National Police Service subsequently praised the peaceful conduct of the rally, saying the event demonstrated that political expression could take place without violence or disruption of public order.
The Star has separately reported on growing attention around the political relationship between Sifuna and Babu, describing their situation as a significant power tussle within the emerging political landscape.
Different ambitions, same political space
The emerging situation places the two politicians in a delicate position.
Sifuna is seeking to build a national political profile around his presidential ambitions, while Babu is positioning himself for the Nairobi governor’s race.
For now, Babu continues to describe himself as a supporter of Sifuna, while also making clear that he intends to devote more attention to his own Nairobi campaign.
Whether their competing campaigns eventually create a deeper political disagreement remains to be seen.
For the moment, both politicians have publicly maintained that their political relationship remains intact, even as the 2027 race begins to sharpen their individual priorities.
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