KIVUTHA KIBWANA explains why BABU OWINO turned down KALONZO’s offer to become Wiper Deputy Party Leader.

Sunday, November 15, 2026 - Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has revealed why Embakasi East MP Babu Owino declined an offer from Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to become the party’s Deputy Party Leader.

In a post on X on Sunday, November 15, Kibwana disclosed that Kalonzo approached the outspoken legislator when the Linda Mwananchi movement was gaining momentum and offered him a senior position in Wiper.

However, Babu reportedly turned down the offer because he was already committed to leading his own political outfit, The Mwananchi Party (TMP).

"True, Kalonzo Musyoka offered Babu Owino the position of Deputy Party Leader. Babu Owino could not take it because he was already Party Leader of The Mwananchi Party. He respectfully thanked SKM for the offer," Kibwana stated.

The revelation comes amid growing speculation about an apparent cold war between Babu and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who leads the Linda Mwananchi movement.

The former governor also explained his connection to The Mwananchi Party, revealing that it evolved from the Muungano Party, which he previously led before it was rebranded under Babu's leadership.

Babu unveiled TMP in September as his political vehicle for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.

He had proposed that Sifuna pursue the presidency while he contested the Nairobi governor's seat, with the two parties working together under the Linda Mwananchi coalition.

However, disagreements emerged over which political party Sifuna should use, with Babu reportedly preferring TMP while Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya favoured Ukombozi People's Party. Sifuna eventually unveiled The Equitable Party after initial efforts to register Linda Mwananchi failed.

Despite the apparent disagreements, Babu has dismissed claims of a personal fallout, insisting that he fully supports Sifuna's presidential ambitions.

Kibwana has now urged the two leaders to put their differences aside, warning that anyone attempting to drive a wedge between them is undermining the country's political future.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.