Netizens Points Out Fading Babu Owino's Spotlight as Sifuna Rises

Political analysts and social media users are increasingly pointing out the change in the political limelight in Kenya, where Sifuna is rising in popularity while Babu Owino seems to be losing influence.

This has been particularly fueled by Sifuna’s ouster from the high-ranking ODM Secretary-General seat, while some of Babu Owino’s fans question his continued political relevance.

Joyline Chebet, X app user, observes: “Sifuna is stealing the limelight from Babu Owino because he was ousted from the SG seat. Sifuna can easily become president before some of the people who have already declared.”

This view is that Sifuna’s popularity is taking advantage of the loopholes created by Owino’s recent failures.

Not all comments, however, are in favor of Sifuna’s rising popularity. Victor Midheme posted on Twitter: “Sifuna can’t influence ODM at all, he was merely handpicked, and you will see and remember without BABU. That team is nothing.”

Some people feel that Sifuna’s popularity may be exaggerated and that he is only relying on political patronage.

The 2027 Political Forecast

The forecasts for the 2027 elections indicate that there is going to be a tough season in Nairobi politics.

Nuttiez Midza stated, “Ongili (Babu Owino) will not win the Nairobi gubernatorial come 2027, Sifuna will lose to Jalang’o & Orengo will lose to Nicholas Gumbo. Natembeya may not make it to a second term. Keep this for future reference.”

This is a forecast that is a reflection of a general feeling that the current political bigwigs will face stiff competition from new entrants in politics.

Dr. Roselyne Akombe commented on political theatrics in the country, saying, “The games being played, waaah! They ‘manufacture’ a charismatic messiah, throw a few teargas canisters at him… We, who love drama, fall for the ruse! Punde si punde, they are on the same table, handshakes. The Kawaida citizen is on the menu. Stop being gullible! The house always wins unless we turn the tables on them!”

This shows that there is a level of competition in politics, with citizens at times bearing the consequences of political gamesmanship.

Also Read: Martha Karua Hints on Joining Sifuna

Criticism and Controversy

Sifuna’s critics highlight personal and strategic weaknesses.

Robert Alai tweeted: “Sifuna has two problems. In fact, there are three… He chose Yvonne(@YvonneOkwara), his playmate, to interview him because he knows that such an interview would be shallow… He is bitter with Ruto… He thinks his primary role is overseeing Ruto and bitching over him 24/7.”

The thread portrays Sifuna as overly focused on political spectacle rather than governance.

Meanwhile, Babu Owino faces scrutiny from voters themselves.

@theminamano observed: “Politicians like Babu Owino who’ve had corrupt/murder cases before are politicians you shouldn’t consider in the slightest while voting. I don’t get how Nairobians are considering him as their governor… is the average Nairobian just flat out dumb or what?”

Also Read: Winnie Odinga Breaks Silence After Sifuna’s Removal as ODM SG

The Shadow of Opportunity

Some people argue that Babu lost an opportunity of a lifetime following the death of the former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

Sifuna took over the vacuum.

Brian Kariuki states that: “Everyone was waiting for Babu to take his chance following the death of Raila. It seems Sifuna was better prepared. The opportunity of becoming the Kingpin has slipped away from Babu. He will now have to take his place in the shadow of the young man from Bungoma, just like Orengo had to take his place in the shadow of Baba.”

As Kenya prepares for the next electoral season, the rivalry between Babu Owino and Sifuna remains an issue of debate.

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