Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has signalled that he is preparing to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and launch a new national political party, positioning himself as its leader ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local podcast aired on Thursday July 23, 2026, Owino said the party will be unveiled soon and that it will be a national outfit bringing together leaders from across the country.

“Babu Owino ni party leader. Chama inakuja very soon,” he said.

Distribution of leadership within the party

The lawmaker revealed that the party’s Secretary-General will come from the Western region, while the chairperson will be drawn from either the Central or Coast region to ensure regional balance.

He further disclosed that Siaya Governor James Orengo is expected to serve as the party’s patron.

“Tuko na baba wetu Orengo atakuwa Patron wa chama… Hii chama itabeba wana-Coast, itabeba wana-Central Region, itabeba wana-North Eastern, itabeba kabila zote. Hii si regional party. Hii ni national party,” he said.

Owino also said the deputy party leader has already been identified through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, although he did not reveal the person’s identity.

When asked whether the new outfit would effectively be his personal party because he would serve as its leader, Owino dismissed the claim.

“This is our party. There is no ‘my party’,” he said.

Linda Mwananchi party

This comes days after former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has hinted that the Linda Mwananchi movement will transition into a political party before the end of the year.

Speaking during an interview aired on a local media station on Monday, July 20, 2026, the outspoken human rights defender, who recently aligned herself with the Edwin Sifuna-led movement, said plans to transform the outfit into a political party are underway.

Idhiambo, however, noted that the party could undergo a few adjustments before its official launch, adding that it may not necessarily retain the Linda Mwananchi name.

“The party might not necessarily bear the name Linda Mwananchi, but we intend to unveil it soon, this year.”

The Linda Mwananchi movement had earlier announced plans to formally break away from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marking a new chapter in the opposition’s political reorganisation ahead of the 2027 general election.