Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has challenged Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to resist individuals seeking to drive a wedge between them, arguing that their political ambitions should not become a source of division ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He suggested that Kenyans would want an arrangement in which one of the politicians becomes president while the other serves as governor of Nairobi County.
“Those who try to estrange these two are enemies of Kenya and the future,” Kibwana stated.
The former governor cautioned Babu and Sifuna against accepting suggestions that they are political competitors, saying such a perception could undermine their relationship and disappoint Kenyans.
“Kenyans want one to be President and the other Governor of Nairobi County,” he said.
Kibwana further warned that the two leaders would let the country down if they allowed others to convince them that their ambitions placed them in competition.
“If anybody tells these two they are competitors and they believe it, then you will have let Kenya down,” he stated.
Kibwana’s message comes as both politicians attract attention over their respective political ambitions ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
Babu has expressed interest in contesting the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, setting his sights on succeeding Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Sifuna, meanwhile, has featured in conversations about the opposition’s presidential politics, with his growing political profile placing him among figures discussed in connection with the country’s top leadership position.
The two politicians are associated with different political platforms. Babu is linked to The Mwananchi Party, while Sifuna has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi political movement.
Their political ambitions have generated discussions about how the two leaders could relate as the country moves closer to the next General Election.
However, Kibwana’s intervention was focused on the need for cooperation, rather than allowing political interests to create divisions between them.
Kibwana’s latest remarks also come shortly after Babu announced his appointment as the patron of The Mwananchi Party on Friday, November 6, 2026.
“Professor Kivutha Kibwana is a distinguished Professor of Law and a passionate defender of human rights,” Babu said.
The MP also praised Kibwana’s record in county administration, saying he had been recognised among Kenya’s best-performing governors.
“He was ranked among Kenya’s best-performing Governors and left a remarkable legacy through his transformative leadership and service to the people of Makueni County,” Babu stated.
He welcomed the former governor into the party’s leadership structure, declaring:
“The Mwananchi Party is honoured and privileged to have him as our PATRON.”
Kibwana’s appeal comes as political leaders and parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with presidential and gubernatorial ambitions increasingly featuring in public discussions.
His message places emphasis on the possibility of political cooperation between Babu and Sifuna despite their different platforms and ambitions.
By urging them not to believe those portraying them as competitors, Kibwana has framed their relationship as one that should not be defined by the positions they seek, but by their ability to work together.
