Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed claims of a political fallout with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying there is no conflict between the two leaders despite their separate political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, September 15, Owino rejected reports that he was jealous of Sifuna or seeking to undermine his presidential ambitions. Owino said the two politicians are pursuing different elective positions and therefore have no direct political competition.

“Those who are in doubt of the relationship that I have with my brother Sifuna, you have to know that I have no particular challenge or problem with him,” Owino said.

He dismissed claims that jealousy had created tension between them, saying his bid for Nairobi governor does not conflict with Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.

“Babu Owino is vying for Nairobi Governor, and Sifuna is vying for president. There is no conflicting interest. There is no way Babu will fight Sifuna, so do not bring tension where there is none,” he said.

Owino’s remarks come amid speculation over the relationship between the two politicians, who are associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement. The Embakasi East MP has previously publicly supported Sifuna’s presidential ambitions and, in his latest remarks, reiterated that position. Recent reporting indicates Owino said he would continue supporting Sifuna while concentrating more of his political activity on his Nairobi gubernatorial campaign. The clarification is significant as Linda Mwananchi continues to organise politically ahead of the 2027 election, with its leaders pursuing different elective positions. Sifuna has been associated with the movement’s presidential campaign, while Owino has been positioning himself for the Nairobi governorship.

Owino argued that the different positions they are seeking should not be interpreted as evidence of a rivalry. He said his decision to focus more attention on Nairobi is driven by his own gubernatorial ambitions rather than a disagreement with Sifuna. The MP has also pointed to Nairobi’s large electorate as a reason for concentrating his campaign efforts in the capital while continuing to support the wider opposition effort. The two leaders have appeared together at several Linda Mwananchi political activities, although their individual campaigns are increasingly taking different directions.

While Owino has rejected reports of a personal or political rift, the movement still faces broader questions over how its leaders will coordinate their individual ambitions ahead of the 2027 election. The two leaders have previously disagreed publicly over aspects of the movement’s proposed political structures. In July, Sifuna rejected a leadership lineup proposed by Owino, saying the party’s leadership should be determined through wider consultations. That disagreement, however, is separate from the current claims of a personal fallout, which Owino has firmly denied. For now, Owino maintains that there is no bad blood between him and Sifuna, and says their different political ambitions should not be interpreted as a competition between the two. As the 2027 political campaigns take shape, their ability to maintain cooperation while pursuing separate elective positions will remain an important issue for the Linda Mwananchi movement.