NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has urged leaders behind the Linda Mwananchi movement to avoid internal divisions and ethnic politics as the opposition platform navigates disagreements over its political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kibwana, in a post on X on Friday, September 25, described Linda Mwananchi as a “breath of fresh air” in Kenya’s political landscape while warning its leaders against allowing disagreements to fracture the movement.
His remarks appeared directed at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who have been central to Linda Mwananchi’s mobilisation and the debate over the political vehicle to be used in the 2027 election.
Kibwana Warns Against Splitting Movement
“In love, I must say: even if not perfect, Linda Mwananchi is a breath of fresh air which should avoid ethnicization,” Kibwana said.
He then invoked the biblical account of King Solomon, warning that the movement’s leaders could face criticism if disagreements resulted in the platform being divided.
“HE Edwin Sifuna & HE Babu Owino & TEAM, HISTORY & Kenya’s GENZ-OTE will judge you harshly if, like the lady before Solomon, you decide Baby LM be sliced into two,” he added.
Kibwana’s remarks amount to a political appeal to the movement’s leaders rather than evidence that a formal split has occurred.
Party Vehicle Dispute Fuels Tension
The intervention comes amid a disagreement over which political party should serve as Linda Mwananchi’s vehicle for the 2027 election.
Recent reports have linked Babu Owino to The Mwananchi Party, while Sifuna has been associated with the Ukombozi People’s Party. The competing proposals have raised questions about how the movement’s leaders will coordinate their political activities.
Babu has proposed that the two parties could retain their identities while operating under a broader Linda Mwananchi coalition.
Under his proposal, Sifuna could use Ukombozi while Babu retains The Mwananchi Party, with the two outfits working together under the movement’s umbrella.
Babu Says Sifuna Relationship Remains Intact
Despite the disagreement over the political vehicle, Babu has publicly rejected suggestions that his relationship with Sifuna has broken down.
On September 18, Babu said he would continue supporting Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, linking their relationship to the difficult period they experienced together within ODM.
“Sifuna ni ndugu yangu, na sitamwacha nyuma kwa sababu mimi ndiye tulianza na yeye,” Babu said.
He has also proposed that Mwananchi and Ukombozi could work together under Linda Mwananchi rather than forcing the movement to adopt a single party.
Linda Mwananchi Builds 2027 Profile
Linda Mwananchi has emerged as a prominent opposition mobilisation platform ahead of the 2027 General Election, holding rallies and engaging leaders from different parts of the country.
The movement held a major rally in Nairobi on September 13, attracting several opposition figures and increasing attention around its plans for the next election.
The question of its political vehicle has since become a major organisational issue, with different leaders advocating different arrangements.
Sifuna’s Political Plans Evolve
Recent reporting indicates that Sifuna is expected to unveil his own political party on October 1, with Ukombozi identified as the vehicle associated with his plans.
Babu, meanwhile, has said he intends to use The Mwananchi Party, including for his political ambitions in Nairobi.
