MP Babu Owino fires warning to Gov't on admission to the bar

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino is among 609 lawyers who were on Friday admitted to the bar, officially joined the ranks of Kenya’s legal fraternity, and declaring his admission as the beginning of a new chapter in his political and social justice crusade.

In a statement brimming with resolve and defiance, the legislator traced the roots of his legal journey back to the gritty streets of Nyalenda, Kisumu, where he says encounters with police brutality and impunity sparked his hunger for justice.

“Growing up in the slums of Nyalenda, I noticed with deep concern the constant harassment and humiliation of ordinary Kenyans in the brutal hands of law enforcement agencies most of the time without a clue of what their constitutional rights were,” he said on Friday.

According to the MP, the harsh reality of his upbringing—marked by the repeated arrest and abuse of his mother over the sale of illicit brew—was a turning point.

“My mother got arrested severally and instead of being arraigned in court would be beaten up by police to pay a bribe from her meagre chang’aa sales proceeds,” he recounted.

Mr. Owino, known for his fiery speeches in Parliament and relentless criticism of government excesses, said his legal education was not about personal glory, but rather a continuation of his mission to advocate for the underprivileged.

“This achievement is not about personal grandiosity. It is about sharpening the tools of service. The law is now a new battlefield where I will fight even harder for justice, equity, and the rights of the common mwananchi,” he said.

He warned the government to prepare for “more lethal arguments” from him, now armed with both legislative experience and legal authority.

“The Government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defense of Kenyans—both in Parliament and now in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable,” Owino stated.

His closing remarks struck a dramatic tone, invoking divine guidance as he steps into the judiciary arena.

“The revolution continues—now with a gown and a gavel. So, help me, God,” he concluded.