NAIROBI, Kenya – Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has claimed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would have campaigned alongside the Linda Mwananchi movement had he been alive, citing what he described as their shared political ideologies.
In a statement posted on Friday, October 16, 2026, Babu said Raila would have joined the group in countrywide campaigns because they shared similar views on leadership and the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
“If Baba were still alive, he would be moving around the country with our team because we share the same ideologies. Baba alikuwa kama mti. Alikuwa na faida nyingi sana,” Babu said.
The remarks place the Embakasi East MP at the centre of the growing debate over who should carry forward Raila’s political legacy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Babu is associated with Linda Mwananchi alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. The movement has presented itself as a platform focused on defending citizens’ rights and promoting accountability in government.
Babu And Sifuna Navigate Different Political Vehicles
Despite their association with Linda Mwananchi, Babu and Sifuna are linked to separate political vehicles ahead of the 2027 elections.
Babu leads The Mwananchi Party, which he has positioned as his platform for the Nairobi gubernatorial race, while Sifuna is associated with The Equitable Party (TEP).
Babu has proposed a coalition arrangement that would allow the two leaders to retain their respective party structures while pursuing shared political goals.
The proposal comes as leaders associated with the movement seek to define their political direction amid wider divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Babu Links Linda Mwananchi To Raila’s Ideals
Babu made similar remarks during a memorial gathering marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15.
Addressing mourners, the MP said Raila’s leadership was defined by his pursuit of justice and service to citizens rather than the positions he held.
He linked those principles to Linda Mwananchi, saying its members were committed to defending the rights of ordinary Kenyans.
The movement is also associated with Siaya Governor James Orengo, who, alongside other leaders, has called for accountability and greater attention to citizens’ interests.
Babu’s comments add to the discussion over how Raila’s political philosophy should be interpreted and carried forward following his death.
Raila’s Legacy At Centre Of Political Debate
Raila’s death has intensified debate within ODM over the party’s direction and its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Some leaders support continued cooperation with the government, while others advocate a stronger opposition approach to holding the administration accountable.
Babu and other figures associated with Linda Mwananchi have framed their agenda around justice, accountability and the rights of ordinary citizens, principles they say reflect Raila’s political ideals.
However, Babu’s assertion about how Raila would have campaigned remains his own view of the late leader’s political position.
Babu Remembers Raila As A Source Of Support
During the Bondo memorial, Babu compared Raila to a tree that provided shade, medicine and fruit, portraying the former prime minister as a source of support whose contribution extended beyond politics.
The gathering attracted several political and public figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Chief Justice David Maraga and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
Raila’s family and some political leaders had urged participants to keep the anniversary focused on remembrance rather than political competition.
Nevertheless, Babu’s latest statement has added to the contest over how Raila’s legacy will shape opposition politics and political alliances ahead of the next election cycle.
