MP Babu Owino Claims Security Withdrawn After Anti-Finance Bill Protests

Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has announced that his official security detail has been withdrawn, alleging the move is directly linked to his participation in the June 25 protests that took place yesterday.

In a statement released today, Thursday, June 26, the outspoken lawmaker criticized the government, calling the withdrawal an “attack on democracy.”

“Yesterday, I stood with the people, not against the nation, but for its future. I exercised my democratic right to protest peacefully against the actions of a government that is failing its citizens,” Owino stated. He further claimed, “Today, in retaliation, the government has withdrawn my official security.”

Owino, who was seen actively participating in the protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), suggested that targeting elected leaders who stand with their constituents is a sign “of a government that fears accountability, not one that serves.”

Protests Commemorate Lost Lives and Face Fierce Opposition

The protests were held to honor the “Gen Zs” who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. The demonstrations yesterday lasted throughout the day, with police engaging protesters in running battles in Nairobi and other parts of the country as authorities aimed to prevent chaos. These protests reportedly resulted in as many as 11 deaths and numerous injuries. Families of those who died in last year’s protests voiced their frustration over being unable to present official petitions to Parliament due to heightened police security measures.

Owino Vows to Continue Fight, Calls for Public Unity

Despite the alleged intimidation, Owino expressed his unwavering resolve to continue advocating for the people, asserting that his true security comes from Kenyans themselves. He urged other leaders not to yield to government pressure.

“I do not fear intimidation. I will not be silenced. My voice, and the voice of every citizen demanding justice, fairness, and freedom, will only grow louder. Kenyans are my security,” he declared.

Owino also called on Kenyans to stand up for their rights and hold their leaders accountable, reiterating his support for the push for better leadership and governance. “To the public: 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,” he concluded.

In recent times, Babu Owino has openly expressed his interest in running for higher office in upcoming elections and has been a consistent critic of current Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration of the capital.