This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
September 28th, 2017, marked a significant turn of events in the case of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Just hours after his release on bail, he was re-arrested in connection with a fresh charge of assault.
According to sources, the MP is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to a voter during the August 8 polls. He will also face another election-related charge allegedly committed during the campaign period in his area.
The controversy surrounding Babu Owino began when he made an apparent reference to President Uhuru Kenyatta as 'mtoto wa mbwa' at an opposition rally in Nairobi. This offense led to his overnight stay in Pangani police cells before he was released on a Ksh.500,000 cash bail.
The opposition has termed the arrest as political persecution meant to silence vocal leaders. Demonstrations were witnessed in Kiambu, where residents called for his arrest.
