This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
On June 28, 2019, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino showed up at the Milimani Law Courts in solidarity with his Starehe counterpart Charles Njagua Kanyi, alias Jaguar, during a court case ruling.
However, Babu's choice of headgear drew attention, as he wore a conical hat, commonly known as an Asian rice hat.
Many found it ironic that Babu was wearing a hat associated with foreigners, given Jaguar's earlier ultimatum to Interior Secretary Fred Matiang'i to deport Chinese and East African citizens trading in city markets.
Netizens took to social media to express their surprise and amusement at Babu's choice of hat, with some joking that he might be at risk of deportation himself.
Some of the reactions included:
- David Kagoda: “Statement received with that Chinese hat.”
- Spicylicious: “What's with the hat mhesh.”
- Wounded Taxpayer: “Kwani @HEBabuOwino siku hizi umekuwa Vietnamese Yawa?”
- Mutiso: “Chunga asithani wewe ni wa huko he starts with you…and end up deported to China.”
- Faisal Faisal: “Chinku chi chi babu owino, kumbe unatoka Vietnam.”
- Hesbon Mosembe: “Solidarity in what?Against who?That road towards Nyayo Gate B junction heading to Tassia Catholic has been a nuisances to us residents yet you’re solidifying with a xenophobia maniac.”
Babu and Jaguar had an altercation in the precincts of Parliament building in 2018 that turned physical.
