- Embakasi East MP Babu Owino reversed his earlier position and declared support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to serve two presidential terms if elected in 2027
- Babu had previously said he would run for president in 2032, a timeline that would have conflicted with Sifuna's potential re-election bid
- The shift comes amid earlier tensions between the two politicians following the Jacaranda rally and Babu's launch of his own political party
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has reversed course and announced unconditional support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to serve two full presidential terms, should the latter win the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
The declaration marks a significant change from Babu's earlier public position, in which he had said he would seek the presidency in 2032 after serving one term as Nairobi governor. That timeline would have placed him in direct competition with Sifuna's potential re-election bid.
Babu's new presidential timeline
Speaking at a recent public event, Babu outlined a revised political roadmap that puts his own presidential ambitions on hold until after Sifuna has completed a possible two-term tenure.
"Sifuna akipata president 2027 aende two terms, 10 years atakuwa amemaliza. Babu will then look for the presidency for two more terms," he said.
Under this revised plan, Babu would focus on winning the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027, defend it in 2032, and only then turn his attention to the presidency once Sifuna had exited office.
Tensions within the Linda Mwananchi Movement
The announcement comes after a period of visible strain between Babu and Sifuna's camp. Following the Jacaranda rally, a faction of Sifuna's supporters expressed frustration, accusing Babu of attempting to overshadow the senator and claim credit for the movement's momentum.
Speculation about a rift deepened when Babu launched his own political outfit, The Mwananchi Party (TMP), a move widely interpreted as a break from Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Movement. Further concern arose when Babu announced he would skip some Linda Mwananchi rallies to concentrate on building his gubernatorial profile in Nairobi.
Despite those developments, Babu has continued to appear alongside Sifuna at various meetings and public events, repeatedly declaring his backing for the senator's presidential bid against incumbent President William Ruto.
His latest statement endorsing Sifuna for two terms is being read as the clearest signal yet that he remains committed to the alliance, setting aside any presidential rivalry for the foreseeable future.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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