Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has called upon Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to quickly contain an online row between their supporters. Gachagua warned that the dispute could deepen divisions within the Linda Mwananchi Movement. He made the appeal during a media engagement at Shawnee Mission Park in Kansas City, USA.
Gachagua revealed that he had spoken separately to Sifuna and Owino, urging them to address the growing tensions among their supporters. He expressed concern that the dispute was taking on a tribal dimension, with Luo and Luhya supporters trading insults online. Gachagua described Sifuna and Owino as leaders from the two communities and urged them to caution their supporters.
The former Deputy President said he had asked Sifuna and Owino to meet urgently and caution their supporters against government interference in the Movement. He also asked Senator John Methu to join the two leaders in discussions, hoping they would resolve the differences before they escalate. Gachagua emphasized that Linda Mwananchi would play a significant role in liberating the country.
The dispute among supporters intensified after Linda Mwananchi’s Nairobi mobilisation on Sunday, September 13, which culminated in a rally at Jacaranda Grounds. The event drew attention after Owino publicly rebuked ardent Linda Mwananchi supporter Abbie Zuena, sparking further discussion online about tensions within the Movement. The rally also highlighted differences over its political direction.
Despite the political confusion, Owino reaffirmed his support for Sifuna’s 2027 presidential bid on Friday, September 18, during the funeral of Jeremiah Kisero in Central Nyakach, Kisumu County. Owino said his political relationship with Sifuna dates back to their difficult days in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He expressed confidence that Sifuna would become the President of Kenya.
The differences within Linda Mwananchi centre on the political party that should serve as the movement’s vehicle for the 2027 General Election. Owino proposed a coalition arrangement in which Sifuna would lead the Ukombozi Party while he continues to lead the Mwananchi Party, with the two parties working together under the Linda Mwananchi umbrella.
Gachagua’s intervention comes amid heated exchanges among Kenyans on social media, particularly on X, over the political influence and mobilisation strength of Sifuna and Owino. He urged Sifuna and Owino to address the growing tensions and caution their supporters against escalating the exchanges, warning that the dispute could deepen divisions within the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Key points
- Gachagua urges Sifuna and Owino to address growing tensions among supporters.
- The dispute among supporters is taking on a tribal dimension.
- Owino reaffirms support for Sifuna’s 2027 presidential bid.
