Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has disclosed details of an alleged initial power-sharing agreement between himself and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna prior to their political split following their exit from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Owino stated that as the group planned to chart a new political path outside ODM, they had agreed that Sifuna would serve as the presidential flagbearer while Owino would assume the role of party leader. This arrangement reportedly had the backing of other allies preparing to exit the Orange Party alongside them.
However, Owino claimed that once the group left ODM, the terms of the pact were altered without his consent, as certain members pushed for Sifuna to take over the party leadership as well. Owino expressed that he was unaware of how the changes occurred. The Mwananchi Party leader noted that while some allies argued a presidential candidate could not effectively run without holding the party leadership, he maintained that dividing the roles was necessary to allow both leaders room to grow politically.
Owino’s revelations come weeks after he parted ways with the Linda Mwananchi Movement and joined the Muungano Party—which has since rebranded as the Mwananchi Party—a move that fueled widespread speculation of a fallout between the two vocal lawmakers. Meanwhile, Senator Sifuna had initially sought to register the Linda Mwananchi Movement as an independent political party, but after encountering hurdles at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), he joined The Equitable Party (TEP).
On Friday, November 13, TEP officially rebranded as the Linda Mwananchi Movement party, securing Sifuna’s political vehicle ahead of the next general election. This development solidifies Sifuna's position as a key player in the 2027 elections. The party's rebranding comes as a significant move for Sifuna, who has been making efforts to establish a strong political base.
Defending his decision to establish a separate political base, Owino argued that pursuing an independent path was essential to safeguarding his political future. He stressed that one leader’s rise should not come at the expense of another’s. Owino pointed to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that owning an independent political party provides crucial protection against shifting political alliances.
Owino noted that Gachagua himself previously acknowledged he would not have been ousted had he controlled his own political outfit. This, according to Owino, underscores the importance of having an independent party. The Mwananchi Party leader's comments provide insight into the dynamics of political alliances and the strategies employed by leaders to secure their positions.
The developments in the political landscape highlight the ongoing shifts and realignments among political leaders in Kenya. As the 2027 elections approach, leaders are positioning themselves to strengthen their political bases. The alleged power-sharing agreement between Owino and Sifuna, and their subsequent split, offer a glimpse into the complexities of political negotiations and the challenges of maintaining alliances.
Key points
- Babu Owino claims he and Senator Edwin Sifuna had a power-sharing agreement that was altered without his consent.
- Owino and Sifuna have since parted ways, with Owino joining the Mwananchi Party and Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Movement rebranding as an independent party.
- Owino cites the importance of owning an independent political party, referencing the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
