Babu Owino Defends Linda Mwananchi, Urges Caleb Amisi to Resolve Disputes Internally
Amisi, who said he was among the founders of Linda Mwananchi, argued that the movement no longer reflects its original objectives.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Photo/ Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has criticized Saboti MP Caleb Amisi over his recent remarks about the Linda Mwananchi movement, urging him to address internal disagreements through dialogue instead of public platforms.
Speaking amid growing debate over the future of the opposition-linked movement, Owino said differences among its leaders should be handled privately to preserve unity.
“About my brother Caleb, he knows how to solve issues. He is a leader. When he has concerns, he should call fellow leaders, and we sit down. We don’t want to see such matters on the internet and other platforms. He is addressing the wrong people,” Owino said.
The legislator defended the Linda Mwananchi movement, maintaining that its leadership remains committed to advancing the interests of Kenyans despite recent criticism.
“As people of Linda Mwananchi, we do not accept any nonsensical statements against Linda Mwananchi. Linda Mwananchi must remain strong. If we are to unite, we must unite with those who matter so that we can fight for the interests of Kenyans,” he added.
Owino’s remarks came after Amisi said the movement had departed from its founding vision and announced plans to establish a new political mobilization initiative aimed at electing credible leaders to Parliament.
Amisi, who said he was among the founders of Linda Mwananchi, argued that the movement no longer reflects its original objectives.
“What I’ve said is that they have deviated from the original plan; they have to come back. But at the same time, you do not just feel sorry and sit down. You must achieve. You must continue,” Amisi said.
The Saboti lawmaker said he is working with a team to establish what he described as a “people’s movement” or “Renaissance movement” that will focus on influencing the composition of the next Parliament.
According to Amisi, the initiative will prioritize integrity and credibility over age in identifying future leaders.
“I have a team of people who are drawing. Very soon, I’ll start a movement. The purpose of this movement is to ensure that a new crop of leaders is elected. It’s not about youths. People think being clean is being young. No. Some old people are credible. The matter is their credibility,” he said.
Amisi also reiterated that he played a central role in establishing Linda Mwananchi, saying he initiated the idea and brought together several young political leaders under the platform.
“You know how I started this thing? And I always repeat it, and I’m the one who started Linda Mwananchi,” he said.
He added that the movement was initially conceived as a response to growing public dissatisfaction with the country’s political leadership and as a platform to support emerging leaders seeking political change.
Amisi said recent political rallies demonstrated that many Kenyans are looking for alternative leadership.
“The message was clear. Did you see the rallies? People want something different,” he said.
The exchange highlights emerging differences within leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Neither the movement’s leadership nor other senior opposition figures had publicly responded to Amisi’s broader claims at the time of publication.
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