Owino said the opposition risks losing the election if its leaders fail to put aside their individual ambitions and settle on a single flag bearer.
Speaking about the opposition’s political strategy, the legislator argued that although several leaders have the capacity to challenge Ruto, competing presidential ambitions could weaken their collective efforts.
Embakasi East Babu Owino speaks to the media. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/babuowinongili
He expressed confidence that any leader selected to carry the opposition’s presidential ticket would have a chance of defeating the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing what he described as Kenyans’ desire for political change.
“Every principal in opposition believes that if they are given the flag bearer, they will be the president, which is true. Anybody given that flag bearer will be the president. I believe if you are made the opposition flag bearer, you will be the president of this country. Because Kenyans want change,” Babu said.
His remarks come as opposition leaders continue to engage in discussions about their political direction and the possibility of presenting a joint presidential candidate.
Babu explains how opposition divisions could benefit Ruto
The Embakasi East MP warned that allowing opposition principals to pursue separate presidential ambitions could split their support ahead of the August 2027 elections.
He called on leaders to embrace negotiations and agree on one candidate who would represent the opposition in the presidential race.
Embakasi East Babu Owino speaks to the media. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/babuowinongili
“My only prayer is that with my brothers and sisters, let them come together. Let them decide on one person to be the flag bearer,” he said.
Owino also said the Linda Mwananchi faction should be represented in the ongoing opposition discussions, arguing that Nairobi’s political interests must be considered when determining the coalition’s leadership.
“Sisi kama Linda Mwananchi tulimtuma Sifuna aende hapo kwa meza, ajiongelee, atuendelee pia atuongelee. Nairobi, pia iko hapo, Nairobi must be on the table,” he added.
He identified Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and former Justice Minister Martha Karua among the leaders who should participate in the negotiations.
“So sisi tuta-support wetu, aende negotiation na Wakiwadega, Kalonzo, Matiangi, Martha Karua, akae kwa meza. We want to see. So that tupeleke huyu mtu gani,” Owino said.
Babu issues warning over separate presidential bids
Owino maintained that the opposition must establish a common position before the 2027 presidential contest, warning that failure to do so could give Ruto an advantage.
President William Ruto during US tour. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
He argued that individual political ambitions should not take precedence over the broader objective of challenging the incumbent administration.
“If they don’t pick one person, we are doomed. That I can tell you. If they go their separate ways, that’s it. Tutamaliziwa asubuhi mapema. That one I will tell you. I will tell you now. So we must get one person,” he said.
His remarks highlight the challenge facing opposition leaders as they seek to reconcile competing political interests and agree on a presidential candidate.
While Owino expressed confidence in the opposition’s ability to secure the presidency under a united ticket, he warned that failure to agree on one candidate could complicate its efforts to challenge Ruto in 2027.