NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced plans to establish a new political party in Nyanza, saying the proposed outfit will promote competitive nominations and give voters greater control over the choice of candidates ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Babu said the new party would seek to offer an alternative to established political formations by ensuring that candidates earn their party tickets through competitive nominations rather than receiving direct endorsements.
“This time round, wananchi must decide. And I, Babu, am bringing a party here in Nyanza,” he said.
The announcement comes amid intensified political realignments across Kenya as parties and emerging movements position themselves for the 2027 elections.
Babu promises competitive nominations
The Embakasi East MP said democracy within the proposed party would be a central principle, particularly during the nomination of candidates for elective positions.
He said aspirants would have to compete for party tickets and ruled out the use of direct nominations.
“This party will have democracy. The nominations will be fair. There will be no direct tickets,” Babu said.
He said the approach was intended to give voters a meaningful role in deciding who represents them, while allowing candidates to be assessed on their track record and ability to deliver.
The proposed party would, according to Babu, also seek to challenge leaders whom he believes have failed to meet the expectations of their constituents.
Nyanza becomes new political battleground
Babu’s announcement comes as political activity intensifies in Nyanza, where established parties and emerging formations are seeking to strengthen their grassroots networks ahead of the 2027 contest.
The region remains an important political constituency, with rival formations expected to compete for influence as parties negotiate alliances, leadership arrangements and electoral strategies.
Babu said his proposed outfit would seek to give voters an alternative and move away from predetermined candidate selection.
His comments also point to a broader debate within opposition politics over how parties should conduct nominations and select candidates capable of competing effectively in the 2027 elections.
Linda Mwananchi connection
Babu has in recent months been associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been mobilising supporters in different parts of the country while seeking to establish a political alternative ahead of the next election.
The movement has also been working to formalise its political identity.
In August, the Registrar of Political Parties agreed to reconsider an earlier decision rejecting an application to reserve the proposed Linda Mwananchi Party name.
The development opened another phase in efforts to establish the movement as a formal political vehicle as opposition figures explore new structures ahead of the polls.
Babu’s latest announcement, however, indicates that he is also considering a party structure with a particular focus on Nyanza.
Babu backs Sifuna for president
The MP has previously expressed support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency under the Linda Mwananchi political arrangement.
On August 31, Babu reiterated his support for Sifuna, saying the two had worked together through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
His position places him within the wider opposition discussions over who could emerge as a presidential challenger to President William Ruto in 2027.
The opposition has continued to face questions over whether competing parties and political personalities can agree on a common candidate and coordinated strategy ahead of the election.
Babu’s comments on party nominations suggest that internal democracy and candidate selection could also become important issues in those negotiations.
Nairobi governorship ambition
Despite his involvement in national political discussions, Babu has separately declared his intention to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027.
He has said he intends to serve one term as governor before pursuing the presidency in 2032.
The announcement adds another dimension to his political ambitions, placing the MP’s immediate electoral plans in Nairobi while his latest party proposal focuses on expanding his political influence in Nyanza.
Babu’s political strategy therefore appears to extend beyond his current parliamentary position, with plans involving both county-level leadership and longer-term national ambitions.
Political parties position for 2027
The announcement comes as Kenyan political parties increasingly focus on their grassroots structures, membership drives and nomination procedures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Babu’s promise that his proposed party will not issue direct tickets is therefore likely to be closely watched as the organisation takes shape.
However, details about the proposed party, including its name, registration status, leadership structure and the areas where it intends to field candidates, have yet to be fully outlined.
