Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has defended his political stance under the “Linda Mwananchi” movement, saying the initiative is focused on improving the lives of Kenyans rather than competing for leadership positions.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, May 4, 2026, Owino emphasised that political engagement should be centred on service delivery and the welfare of citizens, not internal party power struggles.

The legislator said the Linda Mwananchi agenda is rooted in uplifting ordinary Kenyans through access to affordable and quality services, particularly in education and economic empowerment.

“As Linda Mwananchi, we say that the only way to deliver Kenyans where they ought to be is by occupying positions of leadership,” he said.

However, he clarified that the movement is not driven by personal ambition or competition for political seats.

“Linda Mwananchi wants Kenyans to get affordable, accessible, and quality education,” he added.

Criticism of party dynamics

Owino also took aim at internal political dynamics within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), suggesting that the party has shifted from its original ideals.

Referring to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Owino claimed that succession battles had already begun even before his body was flown into the country.

“On ODM, our mother party, which we respect so much, it is not what it used to be when Baba was there,” he said.

“Before Baba was even brought to Kenya, his position had already been taken. That type of greed is what we are saying we cannot accept,” he added.

Babu Owino slams Linda Ground faction

The MP also took issue with the Linda Ground faction of the ODM party, arguing that it was focused on positions and leadership ambitions, as the Linda Mwannachi, which he is affiliated with, prioritises public welfare.

According to Babu Owino, leadership is not all about positions.

“As Linda Ground is busy advocating for and looking for the deputy president position, Linda Mwananchi is not fighting for positions, because leadership is not all about positions,” he said.

Owino further called on political leaders to avoid personal conflicts and instead focus on delivering solutions to Kenyans facing economic hardship.

He claimed that the Linda Mwananchi faction is yearning to deliver Kenyans from the bondage of poverty.

“In politics, there is nothing personal. We can’t be personal with our brothers and sisters. We are just yearning to deliver Kenyans from the bondage of poverty,” he said.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions within ODM and other political formations about leadership succession, party direction, and internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

The Linda Ground faction of the ODM party is currently holding a bonding meeting in Mombasa, which is aimed at addressing the party’s wrangles and discussing its future as the country heads into the 2027 General Election.

However, Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has criticised the choice of the venue, arguing that it was a wrong strategy by the ODM party.