Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is set to unveil his own political party, Ukombozi Party, on October 1. This move marks a divergence in the political paths of Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who had initially been associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement. According to sources, Sifuna has settled on Ukombozi Party, which is the rebranded United Democratic Party previously owned by the late politician Cyrus Jirongo.
The unveiling ceremony for Sifuna's party will take place in Nairobi. This development confirms that Sifuna and Babu are unlikely to contest the 2027 election on the same party ticket. Babu has announced his intention to run for the governor seat on his Mwananchi Party. Multiple sources within Linda Mwananchi have confirmed that Sifuna's party will be launched on October 1, dispelling speculation about the party's identity.
Despite the divergence, Babu Owino has proposed a coalition between his Mwananchi Party and Sifuna's Ukombozi Party under the Linda Mwananchi umbrella. Babu expressed his willingness to work with Sifuna, citing their shared history dating back to their days in the ODM Party. He emphasized that he will continue to support Sifuna's presidential bid, saying they started together and he cannot abandon him.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has confirmed that plans are underway to unveil Sifuna's party in two weeks' time. However, he declined to confirm the political vehicle Sifuna will be vying on, saying people should stop speaking for Sifuna. Osotsi's comments come amid speculation about Sifuna's party and its potential impact on the 2027 elections.
The divergence between Sifuna and Babu may complicate their engagements, particularly in Nairobi, where they may field different candidates for the same positions. Babu has expressed his desire to have his own MCAs in Nairobi, which could lead to a clash with Sifuna's party. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who is said to be behind Ukombozi Party, has further complicated the matter by maintaining that Sifuna will use Ukombozi.
Babu Owino has argued that his Mwananchi Party was already available before the formation of Linda Mwananchi, and an earlier process had narrowed down to his outfit after Saboti MP Caleb Amisi left the arrangement. He has also stated that he will reduce his participation in some of the movement's national activities to concentrate on his gubernatorial campaign.
Amid the wrangling, attempts have been made to prevent the disagreements from developing into an outright split. Babu has reiterated his support for Sifuna's presidential bid, saying they share a history and he will stand in solidarity with him. The proposed coalition between Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi Party may help to mitigate the differences between the two leaders.
Key points
- Sifuna to unveil Ukombozi Party on October 1
- Babu Owino proposes coalition between Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi Party
- Divergence may complicate engagements in Nairobi ahead of 2027 elections
