NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has urged opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that internal divisions could strengthen President William Ruto’s re-election prospects.
Babu made the appeal during a church service at Jesus Teaching Ministry in Donholm, Nairobi, on Sunday, October 18, calling on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to work together.
The legislator said opposition leaders needed to put aside their political differences and ambitions to build a credible challenge to Ruto, arguing that competing political interests could weaken their collective electoral prospects.
“Kwa wale wenzetu wengine wenye wako katika opposition tunawaomba nyinyi wote pamoja na Sifuna mkuje pamoja,” he said, urging opposition figures, including Sifuna, to come together.
He warned that failure to unite could have serious consequences for their political ambitions.
“Maanake kama amko united tutakuwa na shida kubwa sana hapa nchini Kenya,” Babu stated.
He delivered his strongest warning by arguing that political fragmentation could leave opposition leaders vulnerable individually.
“Hatutaki tuachie Kasongo nafasi kwa sababu tukikuwa divided we shall be finished separately. We shall be hanged separately,” he declared.
“But united we stand.”
The remarks renewed Babu’s calls for opposition unity as political formations begin positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.
Babu appeals to Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang’i
Babu directly appealed to Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang’i to join the broader effort, saying opposition leaders should not allow political differences to obstruct cooperation.
“Kwa regard ya shagwa tunamuomba awe united na sisi,” he said, referring to Gachagua.
He extended the appeal to Kalonzo, saying: “Kwa Kalonzo Musyoka tunamuomba awe united na sisi.”
Babu also urged Matiang’i to join the effort.
“Kwa Matiang’i namuomba awe united na sisi,” he stated.
The appeal comes amid broader efforts by opposition figures to explore cooperation across political camps. In June, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata urged Sifuna, Babu and Siaya Governor James Orengo to engage Gachagua ahead of the election. Gachagua has also previously indicated that his political camp could work with leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi.
However, the opposition remains politically diverse, with leaders and movements pursuing different strategies, party arrangements and presidential ambitions. Agreement on a common candidate and a single political platform remains a central challenge.
Linda Mwananchi’s role in the 2027 contest
Babu’s latest appeal comes as the Linda Mwananchi movement seeks to expand its grassroots support and establish its political strategy ahead of the election.
The movement held its Nairobi tour and rally at Jacaranda Grounds on September 13. Later that month, reports indicated that its leaders had resolved to back Sifuna as their leader and presidential candidate while pursuing cooperation with like-minded political parties.
Babu has previously endorsed Sifuna for the presidency, pledging to mobilise support for him in Nairobi. His call for a wider alliance therefore reflects an effort to combine the movement’s ambitions with cooperation beyond its immediate political base.
The question facing opposition leaders is whether they can reconcile their individual ambitions and competing political interests before the election campaign intensifies.
Jobs and cost of living among opposition priorities
Beyond the question of political alliances, Babu urged opposition leaders and other prominent figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, to unite around issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“Kwa Wakenya wote wa kina Maraga tunawaomba muwe united na Wakenya wawe united na sisi ili tuweze kumaliza shida ya Wakenya,” he said.
He identified employment, the cost of living and education expenses as priorities the opposition should address.
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“Ili tuweze kuletea Wakenya kazi 2027,” he stated, referring to the need to create jobs for Kenyans.
He also called for efforts to lower living costs and ease the financial burden on parents paying school fees.
His remarks sought to frame opposition unity not only as an electoral strategy but also as a means of developing a common agenda on economic and social concerns.
Whether the appeal will translate into a formal alliance remains uncertain. For now, Babu’s message is that opposition leaders risk weakening their challenge to Ruto if they fail to coordinate their ambitions and build a broader political coalition before the 2027 General Election.
