Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has provided instructions for Kenyans interested in joining The Mwananchi Party. On September 21, Owino shared the steps on his official social media account, encouraging Kenyans to use the national political parties registration platform operated by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. The process allows eligible Kenyans to register without having to visit a physical party office.
To join The Mwananchi Party, Kenyans can register using their mobile phones by following a simple process. First, they need to dial *509# on their mobile phone and enter their first name as it appears on their national ID. They will then be required to enter their ID number, create and confirm a four-digit PIN, and confirm the details provided.
After confirming their details, prospective members will select the option to “Join a party” and then choose their county, constituency, and ward. The next step is to enter party code 050 for The Mwananchi Party and confirm the registration details to complete the process. This method of registration is available to all eligible Kenyans.
Owino's membership drive comes amid an ongoing debate within the Linda Mwananchi movement over the political vehicle to be used ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Embakasi East MP recently disclosed that he had secured his own political party before Linda Mwananchi was formed. He stated that his plans to contest for Nairobi governor in 2027 predated the opposition movement.
Babu Owino had previously tried three times to register a political party without success before eventually acquiring one early in 2026. He maintained that his political journey and plans to seek the Nairobi governorship were already in motion when Linda Mwananchi was established. Owino has also expressed his support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions.
Despite disagreements over the movement's political vehicle, Owino has proposed a coalition arrangement that would allow him to retain leadership of The Mwananchi Party while Sifuna leads his own political vehicle. The parties would work together under Linda Mwananchi. This proposal aims to resolve the ongoing debate within the movement.
The Mwananchi Party's membership registration process is now available through the *509# USSD service using party code 050. Eligible Kenyans can register by following the outlined steps, and Owino has encouraged those interested in joining the party to do so. The party's leadership and future plans will likely be closely watched in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
Key points
- Babu Owino provides USSD code *509# with party code 050 for Kenyans to join The Mwananchi Party.
- Owino secured his political party before Linda Mwananchi was formed, with plans to contest for Nairobi governor in 2027.
- Owino proposes a coalition arrangement with Senator Edwin Sifuna's political vehicle under Linda Mwananchi.
