- Babu Owino has denied reports of a political disagreement with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
- The Embakasi East MP said he remains supportive of Sifuna’s political ambitions.
- He urged opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- Babu said remarks he made about other opposition leaders should not be interpreted as abandoning Sifuna.
- He accused the government and its supporters of attempting to create divisions within the opposition.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has rejected reports of a political split between him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, insisting that their partnership remains intact as opposition leaders prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Babu said claims that he had withdrawn his support for Sifuna were misleading and could weaken efforts to bring opposition leaders together. He maintained that the political relationship between the two leaders had been built from the grassroots and should not be undermined by reports circulating online.
The lawmaker made the remarks while addressing young people on Wednesday, where he called on his supporters to continue backing Sifuna and other opposition figures working towards a broader political alliance.
Babu urged his supporters to remain behind Sifuna as the Nairobi senator engages with leaders from different political formations. He mentioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta among the figures involved in the wider opposition conversation.
He said opposition leaders would have a better chance of challenging President William Ruto’s administration if they worked together rather than pursuing separate political paths. According to Babu, disagreements among opposition figures could create an opening for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Nataka mtushikilie mikono…mshikilie Sifuna kama my brother, mshikilie Babu Owino pia…raundi hio tukipeleka mambo mbele, tuskume ndugu yetu (Sifuna),” Babu said.
The MP, who is also seeking the Nairobi governorship in 2027, argued that unity would be central to the opposition’s electoral strategy. He said political leaders should concentrate on issues affecting Kenyans instead of allowing personality differences to derail their cooperation.
MP Rejects Reports of Rift With Sifuna
Babu also sought to clarify his relationship with Sifuna, saying their political partnership was not accidental. He argued that the two had worked together from the grassroots and that there was no reason for him to suddenly abandon the relationship.
“Sasa ndugu yangu mwenye nimeanza na yeye, tumekuja na yeye huku juu, simtaki tena aje? Kama singemtaka si hatungeshikana kuanzia kule chini. So lazima tuwe united for us to deal with such a government,” he said.
His remarks followed speculation that his political position had shifted after he made comments concerning other opposition leaders. Some of the speculation centred on statements he made in Homa Bay that were interpreted by some observers as showing support for Kalonzo rather than Sifuna.
Babu rejected that interpretation and said speaking positively about another opposition leader did not mean he had abandoned his existing political partnership with Sifuna.
The Embakasi East MP said his comments about Kalonzo should not be viewed as evidence of a political disagreement with Sifuna. He warned that separating the two would benefit President Ruto by weakening the opposition’s ability to coordinate ahead of the election.
“Babu akienda kule Homa Bay, ameongea juu ya Kalonzo pia, sasa ati Babu hataki Sifuna, anataka Kalonzo. Hawa watu wawili wakiseparate, Ruto amerudi, asubuhi mapema,” he said.
Babu maintained that opposition leaders could support one another while also engaging with other political figures as they work towards a broader coalition. He said the focus should remain on building a united political movement rather than interpreting every public appearance or statement as evidence of an internal dispute.
The remarks come at a time when different opposition leaders are holding consultations and exploring possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential and other electoral contests.
Babu further accused the government of trying to exploit differences within the opposition. He claimed that online bloggers and political supporters were being used to attack opposition leaders and create the impression that the different factions could not work together.
“Government haitalala, kwa sababu wata-unleash bloggers; online goons wanaku-attack huko kwa mtandao, ukikuja kwa ground kuna ground goons wanaku-attack hapa. So wana-attack from all directions,” he said.
The MP said opposition politicians should expect political pressure as the 2027 election approaches but urged supporters to avoid responding through violence. Instead, he called for political organisation and unity as the opposition seeks to challenge the sitting administration.
“But sisi tunasema they will come against us with goons, rungus, pangas, mishale, but we will go against them in the name of the Almighty God. Ni Mwenyezi Mungu ndiye atatupigania,” Babu said.
Babu’s comments underline the growing focus on opposition unity as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His continued support for Sifuna, alongside his references to other opposition figures, points to the broader negotiations likely to shape the opposition’s strategy. Whether the different camps can agree on a common political programme and leadership arrangement remains a major question as the election approaches.
For now, Babu insists that disagreements should not be allowed to break relationships that have already been built among opposition leaders. He maintained that a united opposition would be better placed to mount a serious challenge to the government in 2027.
