Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has expressed support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions, saying the fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership that led to his exit from the party ultimately created an opportunity for him. Babu, speaking during the unveiling of The Equitable Party (TEP), which Sifuna has adopted as his political vehicle, urged Sifuna to forgive the ODM leadership. According to Babu, Sifuna had initially been loyal to ODM and did not want to leave the party.
Babu argued that events within ODM had created a chance for Sifuna to pursue a political path that could culminate in a presidential bid. He cited examples of young leaders who rose to the presidency, including former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and former US president Barack Obama. Babu said their rise to power at relatively young ages demonstrated that Sifuna could also aspire to lead Kenya.
The launch of TEP marked a new political chapter for Sifuna following his fallout with ODM, where he previously served as secretary-general. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal had upheld his removal from the position, dismissing his third challenge against his ouster. Later, the Tribunal found that ODM's National Executive Committee was entitled to establish a panel to handle the disciplinary case and that Sifuna had been given an opportunity to defend himself.
During the launch, Babu publicly declared his support for Sifuna's presidential bid, saying he had backed him from the beginning. The event brought together several leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Siaya Governor James Orengo. Sifuna's adoption of TEP gives the Linda Mwananchi camp a formal political vehicle as he seeks to build a national campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna has said that TEP is intended to provide a platform for a different approach to politics, centred on ideas, programmes, accountability, and service. The party named Sifuna its preferred presidential candidate, with the senator set to take over as party leader. This development comes as Sifuna prepares for a potential presidential bid in the 2027 General Election.
Babu has been among the political leaders backing Sifuna's presidential ambitions. He used examples of young leaders who rose to power to encourage Sifuna to pursue his ambition. The Embakasi East MP's endorsement of Sifuna's presidential bid is seen as a significant boost to his campaign.
The launch of TEP and Sifuna's presidential bid is set to shake up the Kenyan political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. With Babu's support and the backing of other leaders, Sifuna's campaign is expected to gain momentum in the coming months.
Key points
- Babu Owino urges Edwin Sifuna to forgive ODM leadership for paving way to his presidential ambitions
- Sifuna adopts The Equitable Party as his political vehicle ahead of 2027 elections
- Babu Owino publicly declares support for Sifuna's presidential bid
