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Babu Owino has dismissed allegations that former president Uhuru Kenyatta is bankrolling the ongoing Linda Mwananchi rallies, maintaining that the initiative is supported financially by its own members.
Amid escalating tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the Embakasi East MP said Kenyatta has no interest in sponsoring political events, noting that he has already completed his time in office.
“Uhuru Kenyatta has already served and is now a former president. I don’t believe he has any interest in pursuing anything further. He doesn’t want to be president again,” Babu stated.
He emphasized that the rallies are funded through personal contributions from supporters and leaders within the movement.
“This same Uhuru Kenyatta who is being fought so much worked with Baba. The former president is not financing these rallies. We come together and contribute what little we have to fund ourselves. He is not part of this,” he said.
Babu also questioned why Kenyatta’s name was being linked to the mobilisation efforts, arguing that the former Head of State stands to gain nothing.
“What interest would he have? How would he benefit? He has already served and has no desire to return to the presidency,” he posed.
His comments follow accusations from some ODM leaders aligned to the rival Linda Ground faction, who claim Kenyatta is backing the Linda Mwananchi tour — allegations that have further deepened divisions within the party.
The internal disputes have laid bare significant cracks in ODM, with two rival camps — Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground — holding separate rallies and promoting differing political agendas.
Caroli Omondi has also defended the Linda Mwananchi faction, stating that its activities are financed by members and supporters.
Omondi noted that several leaders within the group have historically funded party operations, including himself.
“We are financing ourselves. No one else is funding us. Some of us have supported this party financially for years,” he said.
He further revealed that he personally contributed between Sh600 million and Sh700 million toward ODM campaigns during the 2013 General Election, remarks seen as an attempt to dispel claims of outside influence.
The dispute over funding has become a central issue in the ongoing power struggle within ODM, with both factions accusing each other of weakening party unity and direction.
Despite the rift, leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction insist their movement is powered by grassroots backing and voluntary contributions rather than external sponsors.
