Addressing speculation over tensions within the Linda Mwananchi movement during a press conference on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Babu said his ambitions to become Nairobi governor do not conflict with Sifuna’s presidential bid.
“There are no internal wrangles between Sifuna and me. We are pursuing different seats; Sifuna is seeking the presidency, while I am pursuing the gubernatorial seat,” Babu said.
The Embakasi East MP said he has continued campaigning for Sifuna beyond Nairobi, arguing that having different political ambitions should not be interpreted as evidence of divisions within the opposition movement.
“In fact, I have attended and participated in rallies across different counties, far beyond my area of political aspiration, in support of Sifuna’s presidential bid. Different ambitions do not mean conflicting interests. We can support one another and work together for a better Kenya,” he said.
Babu says rivalry claims are meant to divide opposition
Babu’s latest remarks come amid continued speculation over his relationship with Sifuna as both leaders position themselves for different elective posts in 2027.
The MP has previously rejected similar reports suggesting that he had withdrawn his support for Sifuna, maintaining that such claims were intended to create divisions within the opposition.
In August, Babu dismissed reports of a rift with the Nairobi Senator and urged supporters to remain firmly behind Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
He argued that attempts to separate the two leaders would only weaken the opposition and ultimately benefit the ruling side.
Babu has maintained that he and Sifuna have built their political partnership over several years and that their different political ambitions should not undermine their broader cooperation.
Different ambitions, one political camp
The two leaders are currently pursuing separate political paths within the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Sifuna has intensified his nationwide mobilisation as he seeks to establish himself as a presidential contender, while Babu has increasingly positioned himself for the Nairobi gubernatorial race in the 2027 election.
Babu, however, argued that the two ambitions can coexist, with each leader supporting the other while pursuing a different elective position.
His comments are likely to ease concerns over potential competition within the movement, particularly in Nairobi, where both leaders have significant political influence.
Sifuna’s presidential bid gains momentum
The clarification comes as Sifuna’s national campaign continues to gain momentum.
Days ago, thousands of supporters joined his political procession through Nairobi before converging at Jacaranda Grounds, where he advanced his presidential bid and called for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Nairobi mobilisation brought together several prominent opposition figures, including Babu, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and other political allies.
The presence of the leaders was seen as an attempt to project unity within the opposition movement despite individual ambitions for different elective positions.
Babu’s latest statement reinforces his position that his gubernatorial ambitions should not be viewed as a challenge to Sifuna’s presidential bid, but rather as part of a broader political strategy ahead of the 2027 contest.
