A disagreement has emerged among leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement over the political party that should serve as its vehicle in the 2027 General Election.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has backed the Mwananchi Party, while Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has supported the Ukombozi People’s Party as the vehicle for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential bid.

Babu said he had secured a political party before Linda Mwananchi was formed and that discussions within the movement had considered his party as one of the possible options.

He has proposed a coalition arrangement that would allow different parties within the movement to retain their identities while working together. Babu has also maintained that he supports Sifuna’s plan to seek the presidency despite the disagreement over the political vehicle.

Natembeya, however, has taken a different position. He has publicly backed Ukombozi People’s Party and linked it to Sifuna’s presidential campaign.

The disagreement comes as Linda Mwananchi seeks to organise itself ahead of the 2027 elections. The movement has been conducting nationwide political activities while its leaders continue discussions over its structure and electoral strategy.

The party dispute has also raised questions about how individual leaders will balance their own political ambitions with the movement’s wider plans.

Babu has recently indicated that he will spend more time building his political base in Nairobi as he considers a possible gubernatorial bid. He has said he will continue attending Linda Mwananchi events but may not participate in all of its nationwide rallies.

Despite the differences over the party vehicle, Babu has continued to publicly support Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.

The disagreement now places greater focus on whether Linda Mwananchi will eventually settle on one political vehicle or operate through a coalition of different parties as the 2027 General Election approaches.