FACT CHECK: What We Know About Babu Owino and Mwananchi Party

Babu Owino and Mwananchi Party: What We Know

For much of Friday, September 18, 2026, reports about a new political party linked to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino circulated widely on social media.

Several posts claimed that Owino had a political party called the Mwananchi Party, which he could use in his bid for the Nairobi governor’s seat in the 2027 General Election.

The reports came amid ongoing divisions within the Linda Mwananchi movement over the political party that should serve as its vehicle for the 2027 elections.

Leaders within the movement have differed over the parties being considered, with Babu Owino supporting his own political party while other leaders have pushed for the Ukombozi People’s Party that is allegedly linked to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

What Babu Owino Has Confirmed

Babu Owino has confirmed that he has his own registered political party.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Owino said he had registered the party before Linda Mwananchi was formed.

He explained that he decided to have his own political party after becoming convinced that the ODM party would not give him an opportunity to run for Nairobi governor.

Also Read: “He Called Me Crying”: Junet Claims Babu Owino Wants Back to ODM Amid Linda Mwananchi Wrangles

Owino also said his party had been considered as a possible political vehicle for Linda Mwananchi.

However, he did not give the name of his party during the press conference.

He said discussions were held over which party should be used by Linda Mwananchi, with the possibility of using his party being considered before another political party entered the discussion.

Owino later suggested that the different parties could work together through a coalition while allowing their leaders to retain their respective parties.

Why Mwananchi Party Is Being Linked to Babu

The Mwananchi Party has been the subject of media reports and political speculation in recent days.

Several media outlets reported on September 16 that Owino had taken over the Muungano Party, which was initially associated with former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, and that the party had been rebranded as the Mwananchi Party.

Also Read: Babu Sets Record Straight on His Support for Sifuna Amid Sharp Divisions Within Linda Mwananchi

The report also linked Owino to the party and said it could be used as a political vehicle for the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Other media reports have also discussed the Mwananchi Party in connection with the political differences over which party Linda Mwananchi should use in the 2027 elections.

These reports have contributed to the growing claims that Owino’s party is the Mwananchi Party.

What Babu Has Not Confirmed

While Owino has confirmed that he owns a registered political party, he has not publicly named it as the Mwananchi Party in his September 15 press conference.

He is yet to give more details about the name, structure, and other details of the party he said he registered.

Therefore, the specific claim that Babu Owino’s registered party is the Mwananchi Party remains unconfirmed by Owino himself.

The Mwananchi Party has been linked to him in several media reports, but Owino has not publicly confirmed that his registered party is the Mwananchi Party.

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