State has withdrawn my security, Babu Owino claims

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has claimed that his official security has been withdrawn.

In a statement issued Thursday, the legislator alleged that the move followed his participation in protests held on Wednesday, June 25.

"Yesterday, I stood with the people, not against the nation, but for its future," Owino said on X.

He stated that he joined the demonstrations to exercise his democratic right to protest.

"I exercised my democratic right to protest peacefully against the actions of a government that is failing its citizens," he said.

The MP linked the withdrawal of his security to his role in the protests.

"Today, in retaliation, the government has withdrawn my official security," he claimed.

By the time of publishing the story, police had yet to respond or issue a statement over Babu Owino's claims.

In his statement, Babu Owino criticised the action, describing it as an attack on democracy.

"Let me be clear: this is not just an attack on me, it is an attack on democracy itself," Owino said.

He further stated that elected leaders should not be punished for supporting the public.

"When elected representatives are punished for standing with the people, it is a sign of a government that fears accountability, not one that serves," he said.

Owino said he would not be intimidated. "I do not fear intimidation. I will not be silenced," he said.

"Kenyans are my security."

He called on the public to stay vigilant and united.

"Stay alert, stay united, and know that your leaders should answer to you, not threaten those who stand beside you. The truth cannot be suppressed. The justice movement cannot be stopped. We will not back down," he said.

On June 25, Babu was seen being lifted by protestors as he joined the Gen Z in the demos.

The demos were held to mark the first anniversary of the anti-finance Bill protests that left at least 60 people dead.

Babu on Tuesday had called on the youth to soldier on in honour of their fellow fallen Gen Z who lost their lives during the June 25, 2024, protests.

"What I will tell my Gen-Z brothers and sisters is to fight on, soldier on. It is not over until it is over,’’ Babu said.