Babu Owino’s remarks on Edwin Sifuna, Abbie Zuena and his “goon” comment have sparked questions about his political style and support ahead of the Nairobi governor race.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has increasingly found himself at the centre of conversations about leadership within the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement, with his latest remarks adding fresh fuel to an already growing debate among supporters.
Babu has previously spoken openly about the role he expects to play if Linda Mwananchi eventually transforms into a political party.
At one point, he said he would serve as party leader alongside James Orengo, with Edwin Sifuna taking the position of Secretary-General.
That proposal has not gone down well with a section of Linda Mwananchi supporters, some of whom have openly backed Sifuna for a more prominent leadership position.
Sifuna has emerged as one of the most visible faces of Linda Mwananchi, taking a prominent role at rallies and in interviews about the movement. His supporters have increasingly rallied around the “Sisi ndio Sifuna” slogan, associated with Abbie Zuena.
However, Linda Mwananchi has not formally appointed a party leader or presidential flag bearer, meaning discussions about who will occupy which position remain part of the movement’s evolving political landscape.
That has made Babu’s repeated declarations about his anticipated role particularly significant.
The issue gained another layer during a recent exchange involving Abbie Zuena, a Linda Mwananchi supporter.
Babu told her: “Abbie Zuena, usilete fitina Linda Mwananchi, ukue mtu mzuri.”
The reason behind the remark was not clear from the statement itself, and there is no basis for conclusively determining what Babu’s motive was.
But given the wider debate around Sifuna’s position within the movement, the exchange attracted attention.
Then came another moment during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi.
Addressing an individual, Babu said: “Mimi ni goon kushinda wewe, hiyo ujinga yako utapeleka uko.”
The statement has since sparked criticism, with some questioning whether describing oneself as a “goon” is appropriate language for an elected leader, particularly one who may have ambitions for a higher political office.
And this is where Babu’s political style deserves scrutiny.
There is nothing unusual about politicians being fiery. Kenya’s political history is full of leaders who built their reputations by being outspoken, confrontational and unwilling to retreat from political battles.
But there is a difference between being politically tough and projecting toughness through language that can be interpreted as threatening or aggressive.
For Babu, that distinction could become increasingly important if he intends to seek a bigger elective position.
His supporters may interpret his combative approach as fearlessness and an unwillingness to be intimidated. Critics, however, may see the same approach as political chest-thumping.
The debate is therefore bigger than one statement.
Babu is positioning himself within a movement whose supporters are already having conversations about its future leadership. At the same time, Sifuna has established himself as one of the movement’s most recognisable figures.
That creates an interesting political dynamic.
Sifuna’s recent prominence has largely come through public speeches, rallies and political messaging, while Babu has continued to rely on the outspoken and confrontational style that has defined much of his political career.
With Linda Mwananchi yet to formally establish its party leadership structure or appoint a flag bearer, the competition for influence is still unfolding.
But the reaction to Babu’s latest remarks shows that supporters and observers are already paying attention not only to who wants which position, but also to what kind of leadership each politician represents.
For Babu, the challenge may therefore not be proving that he is tough.
He has done that repeatedly.
The bigger challenge could be convincing voters that behind the toughness is the temperament, restraint and judgment required to lead a county—and potentially seek an even bigger national role.
Because when an elected leader says, “Mimi ni goon kushinda wewe,” the public is entitled to ask:
Is this simply political bravado, or does it offer a glimpse into the kind of leader Babu Owino could become if given greater power?
