Linda Mwananchi leaders push opposition unity as Babu targets Sakaja in Nairobi

The Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi  turned into a platform for two major political battles, as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna rallied opposition leaders to unite against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino took direct aim at Governor Johnson Sakaja in an early pitch for Nairobi's top job.

Speaking to supporters at Marikiti in Nairobi's Wakulima area, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said Kenyans were increasingly united in their dissatisfaction with President Ruto's administration, accusing the government of imposing heavy taxes, hurting businesses and presiding over the oppression of young people.

"There is one person here in Kenya who has oppressed us greatly. His job every day , when you wake up, he has increased taxes on everything. He is closing down small businesses," Sifuna said.

Sifuna told supporters that removing President Ruto from office would require opposition leaders to put aside their differences and work together ahead of the 2027 polls.

"And what's more, his job is to shoot our young people with bullets. Kenya is saying,  Honourable Ruto, your time is up,”he said.

The Nairobi Senator rallied supporters behind the call for a broad opposition coalition, naming leaders including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"The work of chasing Kasongo away is not easy. It requires all of us to walk together, to present a united front, with the likes of Kalonzo, with the likes of Riggy G, with all our opposition leaders, so that we can chase this person away," he said.

The remarks come amid growing political activity by opposition leaders positioning themselves and their allies ahead of next year's General Election, with unity expected to be a key question as leaders seek to mount a formidable challenge against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Meanwhile, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino used the gathering to sharpen his criticism of the Nairobi County Government as he intensified his push for the city's governorship.

Babu accused the Sakaja administration of failing to address persistent challenges facing Nairobi residents, including unemployment, garbage collection, water shortages and the state of public health facilities.

"Here in Nairobi, we have many problems. A young person wakes up in the morning and has no job. A mother wakes up in the morning and business is not going well. An elderly person wakes up in the morning and has no money for medication," Babu said.

He said 2027 would mark a turning point for the capital, promising to address the city's longstanding challenges if elected governor.

"If you look here at Marikiti, you see garbage everywhere. Then you are told you have a governor. What kind of governor stays over there at City Hall, while here at Marikiti there is filth every day?" he posed.

Babu promised to create opportunities for young people, women and older residents through companies that would be contracted to collect garbage across the county.

He further pledged to address water shortages, ensure public hospitals are adequately supplied with drugs and improve the welfare of health workers and other county employees.

"We will ensure that all hospitals have drugs. We will ensure that all medics are paid on time. County workers will be paid on time," he said.

Linda Mwananchi leaders began their day by attending a church service at All Saints Cathedral before holding political meetings in Nairobi. They were later expected to engage supporters in Eastlands before proceeding to a rally at Jacaranda Grounds.