Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced that his political party, The Mwananchi Party (TMP), has registered 660,008 members within six days of its public launch. Owino unveiled TMP on Monday, September 21, as his primary political vehicle for the 2027 general election after leaving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The party's rapid growth has been attributed to its USSD-based registration process, which allows Kenyans to register using their mobile phones.
The registration process, conducted through the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) platform, requires prospective members to dial *509# and enter their first name, ID number, and create a four-digit PIN. They then verify their details, select the option to join a party, and enter the party code 050 to select TMP. Owino shared the milestone on Friday, September 25, describing it as evidence of Kenyans' faith in the new party.
Owino expressed his gratitude to Kenyans for believing in TMP, saying, "This remarkable milestone reflects the trust, confidence and support that Kenyans are placing in TMP. We thank you, Kenya, for believing in The Mwananchi Party." The party's growth has sparked interest in the Linda Mwananchi opposition movement, which is debating which political vehicle to adopt for the 2027 polls.
Owino has proposed a coalition model in which he retains leadership of TMP while Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna leads a separate vehicle, with both parties operating together under the Linda Mwananchi banner. The membership surge comes as Owino eyes the Nairobi county governorship in next year's vote. His ambition to contest the Nairobi governorship predates the formation of Linda Mwananchi.
Owino had been attempting to register a political party for several years before finally acquiring one early in 2026. The rapid registration of over 660,000 members in six days has raised questions about the party's potential in the 2027 general election. TMP's USSD-based registration process has made it easy for Kenyans to join the party.
The party's launch and rapid growth have sparked debate within the Linda Mwananchi opposition movement. Owino's proposal for a coalition model has been met with interest, with some stakeholders seeing it as a potential way to strengthen the opposition. The 2027 general election is expected to be highly competitive, with various political parties and coalitions vying for power.
As TMP continues to grow, Owino's leadership and vision will be crucial in shaping the party's direction. The party's ability to attract over 660,000 members in six days demonstrates its potential to become a major player in Kenyan politics. The 2027 general election will be an important test of TMP's strength and popularity.
Key points
- The Mwananchi Party has registered 660,008 members within six days of its public launch.
- The party's USSD-based registration process has made it easy for Kenyans to join.
- Owino has proposed a coalition model with Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna's vehicle under the Linda Mwananchi banner.
