Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has alleged that the government has withdrawn his security detail in retaliation for his participation in the June 25, 2025 anniversary demonstrations in Nairobi. The MP was among several public figures who joined thousands of Kenyans in marking one year since the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024, which left dozens dead and hundreds injured following a brutal police crackdown.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday, Babu Owino condemned what he termed as political intimidation by the state, saying the move to strip him of state protection was a direct response to his solidarity with protesters and a broader assault on democratic freedoms.
“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. Today, in retaliation, the government has withdrawn my official security,” he said.
Babu Owino, who is serving his third term as MP, has long styled himself as a vocal advocate for youth rights, constitutionalism, and police accountability. His presence at the June 25 memorial demonstration was viewed by many as a significant show of political support for a growing civic movement largely led by Generation Z and university students.
The legislator decried the withdrawal of his security detail, framing it not as a personal grievance, but as an indication of the state’s intolerance of dissent.
“Let me be clear: this is not just an attack on me, it is an attack on democracy itself. When elected representatives are punished for standing with the people, it is a sign of a government that fears accountability, not one that serves,” he added.
No official communication had been released by the National Police Service or the Office of the Inspector General by the time of publication. The decision to withdraw security for an MP without explanation is likely to raise questions about the application of the law and whether security privileges are being used as tools of political reward or punishment.
Babu, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and a key ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga, said he would not be intimidated by state actions aimed at silencing critics of the government.
“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.
He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and resist attempts by political actors to stifle public discourse through coercion or fear.
“The truth cannot be suppressed. The justice movement cannot be stopped. We will not back down,” he added.
Wednesday’s demonstration marked a solemn anniversary for many Kenyans who lost family and friends during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. The initial protests, which were sparked by public outrage over new taxation measures, turned deadly after police opened fire on peaceful demonstrators. Multiple human rights organisations—including Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)—confirmed that dozens were killed, many of them young and unarmed.
The June 25, 2025 anniversary protests, while largely peaceful in the early hours, were again marred by incidents of police violence, with at least eight confirmed fatalities and more than 400 injured. Several civil society groups have condemned the excessive use of force and called for immediate investigations.
Babu Owino’s claims come amid growing concerns about shrinking civic space and the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country. His remarks echo statements from other leaders who have voiced alarm over the state’s apparent intolerance for peaceful protest and dissent.
The Embakasi East MP concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the people: “Leaders must be accountable to the people, not serve at the pleasure of the powerful. This is a fight for every Kenyan who wants justice, dignity, and a future they can believe in.”
