NAIROBI, Kenya — Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has predicted that the Linda Mwananchi movement could collapse if Embakasi East MP Babu Owino leaves the political outfit.
Cherargei also claimed that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna would struggle to secure a political vehicle for the 2027 General Election and alleged that Siaya Governor James Orengo would eventually return to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The senator’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions within Linda Mwananchi over the political parties and coalition structure that its leaders could use to contest the 2027 elections.
Cherargei Says Babu Exit Would Weaken Movement
Cherargei claimed that Owino would soon leave Linda Mwananchi and argued that his departure would undermine the movement.
“If Babu Owino leaves Linda Mwananchi movement, which he will leave soon, the movement will COLLAPSE,” Cherargei said.
He did not provide evidence for his prediction that Owino would leave the movement.
Owino, however, said on Tuesday that he remained part of Linda Mwananchi, although he would reduce his attendance at some of its rallies as he concentrates on political mobilisation in Nairobi.
Owino Says He Remains in Linda Mwananchi
Addressing journalists on September 15, Owino dismissed reports of a political fallout with Sifuna.
He said he and Sifuna remained allies despite pursuing different elective positions in 2027.
Owino said he would continue attending some Linda Mwananchi rallies but would not participate in all of them because of his focus on Nairobi, where he is seeking the governorship.
“I will still attend Linda Mwananchi rallies but I will not attend all of them depending on the programme that I have,” Owino said.
He also reaffirmed his support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions under the movement.
Dispute Over Political Vehicle
The question of which political party will serve as Linda Mwananchi’s electoral vehicle has emerged as one of the issues surrounding the movement.
Owino said Tuesday that he already had his own political party, which he said was established before Linda Mwananchi was formed.
According to Owino, discussions with Sifuna later focused on whether his party and another outfit associated with the movement could work together through a coalition.
The disagreement has therefore centred on political structures and the vehicle through which members could contest the 2027 elections, rather than, according to Owino, a personal fallout between him and Sifuna.
Cherargei Targets Sifuna
Cherargei also claimed that Sifuna would not appear on the ballot in 2027 because he would be left without a political party.
He further alleged that Sifuna would eventually move to the political party associated with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, the Ukombozi Party of Kenya.
“But he will be reduced to chairman of Luhya Council because he will defect to the Luhya party led by Natembeya called Ukombozi Party of Kenya,” Cherargei said.
These claims have not been established as fact.
Sifuna has continued to publicly position himself within Linda Mwananchi and has been campaigning under the movement’s banner. Babu also publicly endorsed Sifuna’s presidential bid on Tuesday.
Orengo Also Draws Cherargei’s Prediction
Cherargei further claimed that Siaya Governor James Orengo would return to ODM.
“Orengo will run back to ODM party while atoning his grievous sins,” he said.
The remarks come as Orengo continues to appear alongside Sifuna, Owino and other leaders at Linda Mwananchi events.
The movement’s Nairobi rally on September 13 brought together Sifuna, Owino, Orengo and other political figures as the outfit expanded its activities in the capital.
Linda Mwananchi Leaders Downplay Fallout
Reports of disagreements within Linda Mwananchi have recently focused on the movement’s political direction, party structures and the organisation of rallies.
Some of the reported differences have involved supporters associated with Owino and Sifuna, including questions over which political party should be used in the 2027 elections.
Owino has repeatedly downplayed the reports.
On Tuesday, he said his Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions did not conflict with Sifuna’s presidential bid and argued that the two could pursue different elective positions while continuing to work together.
Babu Shifts Focus to Nairobi
Owino said his reduced participation in Linda Mwananchi’s nationwide rallies was primarily linked to his plans to build support for the movement in Nairobi.
He said the capital’s 85 wards and large electorate required sustained mobilisation, while also positioning himself for the Nairobi governor’s race.
At the same time, he said he would use his political networks in Nairobi to support Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
The developments leave Linda Mwananchi facing questions over its eventual party and coalition arrangements as political parties and movements prepare for the 2027 General Election.
For now, however, Owino maintains that he remains part of the movement and continues to support Sifuna, contradicting Cherargei’s prediction that he is preparing to leave.
