Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino/FILEEmbakasi East MP Babu Owino has revealed plans to establish a new political party in Nyanza, promising an outfit that will prioritise competitive nominations and fresh leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a political engagement in the region, Babu said voters should have a greater say in determining the leaders who represent them, signalling plans to take the political organisation he has been associated with beyond its current structure.
“This time round, wananchi must decide. And I, Babu, am bringing a party here in Nyanza,” he said.
Babu said the proposed party would seek to challenge leaders who, in his view, had failed to deliver on their responsibilities, while promising that its candidates would be subjected to competitive nominations.
He said the party would not issue direct nomination tickets, arguing that aspirants should compete fairly for the opportunity to represent the outfit in the 2027 elections.
“This party will have democracy. The nominations will be fair. There will be no direct tickets,” he said.
The remarks come amid continued political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several opposition figures and political formations seeking to build new alliances and structures.
Babu has in recent months been associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been mobilising across different parts of the country as it seeks to establish a political alternative ahead of the election.
The movement has also been working to formalise its political identity. In August, the Registrar of Political Parties agreed to reconsider an earlier decision rejecting an application to reserve the proposed Linda Mwananchi Party name.
The developments have come as opposition parties and movements grapple with questions over leadership, nominations and the formation of a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.
Babu has previously said he is backing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency under the Linda Mwananchi political arrangement. On August 31, he reiterated his support for Sifuna and said the two had worked together through ODM.
He has also separately declared his intention to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027, saying he would serve one term before pursuing the presidency in 2032.
The move comes against the backdrop of growing political activity in Nyanza and across the country as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.
The region has also recently witnessed heightened political mobilisation, with rival political formations seeking to consolidate support and expand their grassroots networks.
Babu's proposal therefore comes at a time when established parties and emerging movements are seeking to define their structures, leadership and electoral strategies before the 2027 contest.
He said the proposed party would seek to give voters an opportunity to choose candidates based on their record and ability to deliver, rather than through predetermined nominations.
Babu also reiterated his ambition to contest for the Nairobi governorship, saying his political plans extended beyond the current parliamentary position.
