Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana named Mwananchi Party patron

Mwananchi party leader Babu Owino alongside former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana/ BABU OWINO XFormer Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has been named as the patron of the Mwananchi Party.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino announced the development, saying the move is aimed at strengthening the political outfit as it expands its membership and national presence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement, Babu praised Kibwana’s credentials as a law professor and his longstanding commitment to defending human rights.

The legislator praised the former governor’s contribution to public service, particularly his leadership in Makueni County, where he oversaw the county government’s development agenda.

“Professor Kivutha Kibwana is a distinguished Professor of Law and a passionate defender of human rights,” Babu stated.

“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.”

The MP added that the party was honoured to have Kibwana take up the position, describing his appointment as an important addition to its leadership structure.

“The Mwananchi Party is honoured and privileged to have him as our PATRON,” he added.

As patron, the former county boss is expected to offer advice to the party leadership, help shape its policy positions and provide institutional experience.

Kibwana’s appointment brings into the party an experienced public figure whose background spans legal scholarship, constitutionalism, human rights advocacy and elective leadership.

He served as Makueni Governor for two terms between 2013 and 2022, becoming one of the prominent figures associated with the implementation of devolution and county-level development.

Before joining elective politics, Kibwana built a career in legal academia and public service, participating in national discussions on constitutional reforms, democracy, governance and the protection of fundamental rights.

His experience is expected to provide the party with strategic guidance, mentorship and political counsel as it seeks to strengthen its ideological direction and establish itself as a national political force.

The appointment comes as Babu intensifies efforts to build the Mwananchi Party into a formidable political vehicle ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Embakasi East legislator has been at the forefront of the party’s membership recruitment and mobilisation campaigns, seeking to attract supporters beyond his Nairobi political base.

The political outfit was previously known as the Muungano Party before it was renamed the Mwananchi Party on September 10, 2026, following changes secured through the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

Babu, who serves as the party leader, has increasingly positioned the outfit as a platform for his broader political ambitions, including his anticipated bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.

Kibwana’s entry could strengthen the party’s appeal by bringing on board a figure with experience in county administration and national governance debates.

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