Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has announced his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election under a new political party, distancing himself from ODM.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, May 4, 2026, Babu hinted at a major political shift, declaring that ODM, the party that has shaped much of his political career, “no longer exists in its effective form.”
“ODM does not exist; sahii tuko na lemon,” Babu said, in response to questions about his association with the Linda Mwananchi movement, a new political outfit that has been gaining traction across the country.
The outspoken legislator clarified that while he will not vie on an ODM ticket, he also has no intention of running as an independent candidate. Instead, he will align his campaign with the Linda Mwananchi platform, which he described as a people-driven movement focused on social and economic empowerment.
“I want to tell you that Linda Mwananchi is working on something that should propel us because the party is just a vehicle. I am not going to vie as an independent candidate,” Babu stated.
He further revealed that the Linda Mwananchi movement plans to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, positioning itself as a formidable force in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
According to Babu, the movement will collaborate with other like-minded leaders and coalitions to build a broad-based alliance ahead of the polls.
