Tension as Sifuna and Babu Owino Encounter Resistance at Thika Church

A brief confrontation at a church in Thika on Sunday ended after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and their supporters were initially denied entry before being allowed to attend the service.

The leaders, accompanied by members of the Linda Mwananchi movement, had arrived at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) for a scheduled service before continuing with political activities in the area. Videos shared online showed a tense exchange at the church entrance as church officials, security personnel and supporters sought to resolve the situation.

After discussions between the parties involved, the delegation was allowed into the church and the service proceeded. However, the incident quickly became a subject of discussion among congregants and on social media.

During the service, church leaders criticised the manner in which the delegation had arrived. Addressing the politicians and their supporters, a preacher said places of worship operate under established procedures and should not be disrupted by political activity or security-related commotion. He warned that continued disturbances could force him to suspend the service.

The preacher also rejected suggestions that political leaders should receive special treatment within the church. He said seating arrangements would not determine who could be recognised or allowed to address the congregation, stressing that all worshippers should be treated equally during religious services.

As political mobilisation and coalition-building continue ahead of the 2027 General Election, churches are increasingly required to balance engagement with public leaders and the preservation of worship services. The Thika visit was part of a wider mobilisation campaign by the Linda Mwananchi faction, a group associated with dissenting voices within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The faction has challenged the party leadership’s position on supporting President William Ruto’s expected re-election bid in 2027 and has presented itself as an alternative opposition platform. Sifuna remains a central figure in these developments.

Beyond his role as ODM Secretary-General, he has expanded his political profile and is increasingly viewed by observers as an influential figure within the opposition, particularly among younger voters. Attention has also focused on Western Kenya, a region regarded as electorally significant because of its large voting population.

Counties including Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia account for millions of registered voters and are expected to play a major role in the next national election. Political analysts say increased voter registration and higher turnout could influence the outcome of the 2027 contest.

Some observers believe Sifuna’s growing support could create challenges for the Kenya Kwanza administration if he succeeds in strengthening opposition backing across the region. His rise has also renewed debate about the influence of established Western Kenya leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

While both remain senior figures in government, analysts note that political loyalties among younger voters continue to evolve. Supporters of the senator point to his national visibility, regular engagement on public issues and direct communication style as reasons for his appeal.

They argue that grassroots movements critical of the government have created opportunities for alternative political voices and enabled him to attract support beyond traditional party structures. Discussion about Sifuna’s political future has extended beyond regional politics.

Speculation has emerged about the role he could play in a broader opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Ruto in 2027. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said opposition unity should take priority over individual ambitions, while commentators have suggested several possible coalition arrangements involving Sifuna and other opposition leaders.