)
)
You cannot talk about controversial politicians and not mention one Paul Ongili Owino popularly known as Babu Owino
Babu Owino hit the Kenyan headlines as the longest-serving Kenyan student leader with massive advocacy for university comrades, serving as the University of Nairobi students' leader for more than four years.
He is the current Member of Parliament for Embakasi East Constituency and has consistently ranked among the top-performing MPs in the country.
Early life
)
)
)
Babu Owino was born and raised in Nyalenda, Kisumu county where he went on to attend his Primary Education at Kisumu Township Primary from the year 1995 to 2002.
)
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
In 2003 he joined Kisumu Boys Secondary school where he did his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2006.
He got a scholarship to further his studies through Cambridge systems, he enrolled for A levels, pursued and graduated with six diplomas.
In 2008, he joined the University of Nairobi to study a Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science. He graduated in 2012, and in 2013 enrolled at the same university for a Law Degree.
)
Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino
In 2022, Babu revealed in an interview that apart from the 6 Diplomas, and degrees, also took Masters in Actuarial Science and Law.
May 23, 2025 saw the lawmaker achieve yet another milestone in his career following his admission to the bar as an advocate of The High Court of Kenya.
It was a historic chapter for the youthful MP who witnessed harassment and humiliation meted on Kenyans by rogue law enforcers first hand, including the multiple arrests of his mother and resolved to study and appreciate the laws of Kenya.
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. 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.
Honorary degrees
He added another feather to his cap after being bestowed with an award for Global Excellence in recognition of his Leadership by the Leaders without Borders Development Centre, UK and another honorary Doctorate Degree by the City University of Paris.
The institution awarded the MP with a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service in 2024.
2023 saw Weldios University in Benin award him a Honorary Doctorate Degree (PhD Honoraris Causa) in Political Leadership in recognition of his contributions to society after a being nominated for the same, followed by a rigorous evaluation.
The youthful lawmaker who has consistently ranked top among Kenya’s best performing lawmakers was awarded an honorary degree from Weldios University in Benin.
The MP was also nominated and subsequently appointed to be a member of our Governing Board of the Institution.
Political career
Babu joined politics in 2011 when he was elected chairman of the Student Organization of Nairobi University (SONU).
He went on to be elected three times in the same capacity, earning the title of the most adored student leader in Kenya.
He also served as the University Students Organization Chairman.
)
Babu Owino
READ: Babu Owino renovates entire school as reward for exemplary performance [Photos]
In 2013, Babu went for the ODM Party nomination in Westlands Constituency but lost to Tim Wanyonyi.
In August 2017, He was elected Member of Parliament for Embakasi East on an ODM Ticket.
Family
Babu Owino's parents did not come from a wealthy background. He grew up with his mother.
Unfortunately, not much information is available about his father as he passed away when Babu was young.
Babu Owino is happily married to Frida Muthoni, and together they have been blessed with children.
)
Babu Owino and his wife
READ: Babu Owino takes wife, mother back to the humble Nyalenda home he grew up in [Photos]
Babu has two siblings.
Net worth
Babu Owino has not declared his net worth publicly. However, as an MP, he earns about 710,000 gross salary according to Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
READ: Babu Owino receives Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Leadership
This is inclusive of Sh150,000 house allowances and Sh426,000 basic allowances.
Clash with Raila Odinga
Babu Owino, a prominent member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has faced scrutiny and consequences after his failure to appear in parliament to vote for the Finance Bill 2023.
)
ODM boss Raila Odinga, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kibra MP late Imran Okoth.
READ: Babu Owino explains his absence from crucial vote on Finance Bill 2023
Along with 27 other MPs, he was given a 48-hour ultimatum by the party to provide a defense for their actions.
Ruto's deal with Raila
Babu Owino has remained a fierce critic of the deal between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto which birthed the broad-based government.
The pact which saw a number of ODM politicians appointed to the cabinet and top government jobs.
Overnight, or so it seems, a number of fierce government critics turned into President Ruto’s allies and praising the same administration that they bashed not so long ago.
Babu Owin however remained firm on holding the government accountable, criticising the administration and adding his voice to conversations that matter.
READ: Babu Owino lands appointment in international university
Notably, he demanded for the release of protesters who were arrested as well as several Kenyans who were abducted.
He gave President Ruto’s tour of Nairobi a wide berth earlier this year at a time when focus was on a number of ODM lawmakers who failed to warm up to the broad-based government.
He gave President Ruto’s tour of Nairobi a wide berth earlier this year at a time when focus was on a number of ODM lawmakers who failed to warm up to the broad-based government.