Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are reportedly planning to launch a new political party, activist Nuru Okanga claimed, stirring fresh debate within Kenya’s opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Okanga said the party is expected to be unveiled in July or early August. He added that he will serve as Secretary‑General while Sifuna takes the leadership role. Babu Owino is also described as a key figure in the initiative.
The claims have not been independently verified, but they point to potential divisions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where both Sifuna and Owino remain active members. Internal tensions in ODM have escalated in recent months.
ODM’s National Executive Committee recently moved to remove Sifuna as Secretary‑General. The move provoked legal challenges and public disagreements, with interim party head Oburu Oginga defending the decision as necessary for party discipline and strategic direction.
Sifuna is seeking to block the removal through court action, while Babu Owino has promised to resist what he calls “illegal” attempts to marginalise his faction, raising concerns of an internal party split.
Political analysts warn that Okanga’s allegations, if accurate, could reshape Kenya’s opposition landscape. The proposed party may draw support from members dissatisfied with ODM’s current leadership and its approach to coalition politics.
ODM has experienced tension between factions: one advocating alliances with the government and negotiated power-sharing, the other pushing for grassroots mobilisation and stronger opposition positioning ahead of the polls.
Despite Okanga’s statements, neither Sifuna nor Babu Owino has confirmed plans to register a new political party. Observers note that rumours and social media claims often circulate quickly, especially as election season approaches.
If true, the new party could significantly alter Kenya’s political equations, potentially challenging ODM’s dominance and creating fresh options for voters looking for alternatives ahead of the 2027 General Election.
