Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was among the political figures who attracted attention at the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) in Nairobi on Friday, after appearing to be overlooked during much of the programme.
Owino, who leads The Mwananchi Party (TMP), attended the event where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna unveiled the rebranding of The Equitable Party (TEP) into the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Despite being seated at the front, the MP was initially left out of the line-up of speakers, raising questions about his position in the political outfit he has been associated with since its formation.
Although he was acknowledged during the formal introductions, Owino was not immediately invited to address the gathering as several senior opposition leaders and other figures linked to the movement took to the podium.
He was eventually handed the microphone by Sifuna after members of the audience called for him to be given an opportunity to speak.
By then, several speakers had addressed the gathering and the programme was nearing its conclusion.
In his address, Owino reaffirmed his support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions and called on opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said a united opposition was necessary to address the economic and governance challenges facing ordinary Kenyans, including small-scale traders, unemployed young people and those struggling to access healthcare.
“H.E Edwin Watenya Sifuna, nataka nichukue hii nafasi kukushukuru kukuwa the leader wa Linda Mwananchi Movement, na tena nakushukuru sana kama the presidential candidate wa Linda Mwananchi. Mimi kama Babu Owino, nataka nikuambie ya kwamba niko na wewe,” he said.
Owino added that unity among opposition leaders would help secure better opportunities and services for ordinary citizens.
“Ili mama mboga aweze kupata haki yake, lazima opposition iungane. Ili yule mzee aweze kupata matibabu kwenye hospitali, lazima opposition wajiunge. Ile yule kijana ambaye ako hapa aweze kupata kazi, lazima opposition wajiunge,” he said.
The MP also reflected on the sacrifices made during the political journey that led to the formation of the movement, citing loss of lives, destruction of property and political hostility.
He pledged to remain alongside Sifuna despite the challenges.
“Na mimi hii safari tutaenda na wewe pamoja mpaka penye tutafika. Kwa wananchi wa Kenya, my loyalty will always be to you,” he said.
Owino also addressed an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally scheduled for Saturday at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East, saying it had been organised by the broad-based government.
As the constituency MP, he urged those attending to maintain peace, warning against further loss of lives and destruction of property.
Kalonzo heckled over Sifuna’s presidential ambitions
Owino’s delayed address was not the only incident to attract attention at the launch.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka was heckled by sections of the audience after questioning the declaration of Sifuna as a presidential candidate.
Kalonzo said the Nairobi senator would have to follow the necessary constitutional and party procedures before his candidature could be formally confirmed.
He took issue with Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who had referred to Sifuna as a presidential candidate.
“My brother Eugene has jumped the gun. He has declared you a presidential candidate. Let me tell you, legally, because you are a lawyer, you have to wait for the 13th of November,” Kalonzo said.
He said a meeting scheduled for November 13 would provide an opportunity to address the matter, maintaining that Sifuna was a party leader rather than an officially confirmed presidential candidate.
His remarks prompted chants of “Sifuna, Sifuna” and boos from sections of the crowd, interrupting his address.
At one point, Kalonzo questioned whether the audience wanted him to continue speaking.
Sifuna intervened, appealing to the crowd to respect the opposition leaders who had attended the event.
“This is not a way to treat our guests. Just let us listen to them,” Sifuna said.
Kalonzo later reiterated that he would support Sifuna if he emerged as the opposition’s preferred presidential candidate. He also called for consultations and adherence to established political processes.
The incidents highlighted differing positions within the opposition as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While some supporters are backing Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, the process of settling on a common opposition candidate remains a subject of discussion.
Supporters of both Kalonzo and Owino have since taken to social media to express their views on the events at the launch.
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