NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has defended the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement, saying it is driven by the urgent need to address unemployment, poverty, and rising living costs affecting millions of Kenyan households.
Speaking during an interview with NTV Kenya on Monday, the Embakasi East MP said the outfit seeks to restore dignity to ordinary citizens grappling with economic hardship.
“The faction is for a common mwananchi who wakes up very early in the morning. A woman who prepares her baby; wakes up at 5am, prepares the baby to go to school without even breakfast. Then this lady goes to the market, comes back in the evening having sold nothing, there is no money,” Owino said.
He described a cycle of economic distress affecting families, boda boda riders, and graduates, arguing that many Kenyans are struggling despite earlier hopes for improved livelihoods.
“A boda rider goes out in the morning intending to change the lives of his family but comes back home with nothing. A young comrade who promised parents that after graduation life will change goes back to the village with nothing to show,” he added.
Babu Owino rooted the movement’s agenda in constitutional principles, citing the doctrine of separation of powers as central to its political stance.
“Under the doctrine of separation of powers and checks and balances, which came from Charles-Louis de Montesquieu, it is our role to put the government of the day under check. If we do not do so, there will be excesses and atrocities,” he said.
He further revealed that the movement has broader political ambitions, including influencing national leadership.
“Linda Mwananchi’s role is to ensure they occupy State House. Through that, several things will come in handy, including ensuring citizens access basic services,” Owino stated.
The MP also pushed for greater youth inclusion in leadership, citing global examples of leaders who assumed power at a young age, including Fidel Castro, Muammar Gaddafi, and Andry Rajoelina.
“We need jobs for young men and women and we need them in leadership in 2027. Young people can lead,” he said.
On economic policy, Owino linked the movement’s agenda to Kenya Vision 2030, arguing that the country has fallen short in implementing its targets.
“If we just follow Vision 2030, we can solve many problems. During Mwai Kibaki’s time, economic growth rose to about 7pc. We once aimed for double-digit growth but today we are celebrating around 5pc, which we achieved years ago,” he said.
He called for a focus on macroeconomic stability, including inflation control, exchange rate management, and affordable credit to support businesses and industry.
Owino also highlighted insecurity as a barrier to investment, stressing the need for reforms in land management, infrastructure, and public safety.
“No investor can come to an insecure nation. We must deal with insecurity, land reforms, and infrastructure. Roads, ports, and energy are key,” he noted.
At the same time, he criticised what he termed the exploitation of young people in political violence instead of addressing unemployment through sustainable opportunities.
The lawmaker dismissed claims that the movement lacks fresh ideas, insisting its focus is on service delivery and accountability.
“Leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about service. We are a new crop of leaders focused on delivery,” he said.
The Linda Mwananchi faction brings together a mix of senior and youthful leaders opposed to the Orange Democratic Movement’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Key figures include Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi, Caleb Amisi, and Richard Onyonka.
The group has increasingly positioned itself as a voice for a stronger opposition, signalling early political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, where economic management and governance are expected to dominate national debate.
