Lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna recently stirred debate after sharing a post on X about Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, highlighting his long-running court battles and sharply criticising how Kenyan media reports such cases.
In the post, Miguna Miguna took direct aim at Babu Owino’s past legal troubles, questioned the role of mainstream media, and accused it of softening serious issues involving powerful politicians. His message was blunt and meant to provoke discussion about accountability, justice, and media responsibility in Kenya.
The post shared a headline from Nation Africa that revisited Babu Owino’s history with the courts. Miguna Miguna dismissed the coverage as shallow and misleading, using the term “Githeri Media” to describe what he viewed as careless and sensational reporting.
He used strong language, some of it sarcastic, to express frustration with what he believes is a system that allows influential figures to walk away from serious accusations. While his words were harsh, they reflected a wider public anger about how justice is applied in high-profile political cases.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Hon Babu Owino. Photo Courtesy: The Eastleigh Voice.
The Nation Africa article itself focused on documented court cases involving Babu Owino, most of which ended without convictions. One of the most serious was the 2020 shooting incident involving DJ Evolve at a Nairobi nightclub.
Babu Owino was charged with attempted murder after DJ Evolve was left with life-changing injuries. However, the charge was later withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court approved an agreement where Babu Owino would support DJ Evolve’s medical and living needs. Later charges related to misuse of a firearm were also dismissed after the court found that investigations were poorly handled and evidence was weak.
Another major legal issue came from remarks Babu Owino made during a political rally in 2017. He was charged with offences such as incitement and subversion, with prosecutors arguing that his words were dangerous and disrespectful to the presidency.
The court eventually dismissed the case, citing lack of solid evidence. Similar charges resurfaced during opposition protests in 2023, but the High Court ruled that the law used to charge him was unconstitutional, leading to his release once again.
These repeated outcomes have damaged Babu Owino’s public image and raised serious questions. To his critics, they suggest a pattern of reckless behaviour followed by legal escape routes.
To his supporters, they show a justice system that arrests first and investigates later, especially when dealing with opposition politicians.
Babu Owino himself has consistently claimed that the cases are politically motivated and meant to intimidate him.
