Babu Owino has responded firmly to summons issued by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding the Kakamega Linda Mwananchi rally, accusing the investigators of acting under questionable instructions.
In a letter addressed to the Western Region DCI Regional Director on Tuesday, March 17, Babu claimed that junior officers were sent to summon him to Kakamega for questioning over the rally, held at Amalemba grounds and Mbale.
“In the past few days, junior officers allegedly working on your instructions have purported to summon me to appear before them in Kakamega for interrogations over the successful Linda Mwananchi rally,” he stated.
He questioned the motives behind the summons, suggesting that higher authorities may be pressuring the regional director.
“While I appreciate the kind of pressure you are going through from your superiors, I advise that your focus should be on preserving the oath of office you took, which binds you to the rule of law,” he added.
Kakamega Summons Deemed Intimidation
Babu further argued that the choice of Kakamega as the interrogation venue was deliberate and intended to intimidate him.
“It is my view that the choice of Kakamega as the venue of torture is not only meant to intimidate and blackmail me, but is a testament to the regime's determination to suppress the voice of the people,” he said.
He insisted that any legal action against him should be conducted in Nairobi, citing the absence of a specialized court in Kakamega for such matters.
Court Ruling and Cybercrime Law Reference
Babu referenced a Court of Appeal ruling in Civil Appeal No. 197 of 2020, urging investigators to consider its implications on the use of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2018 in political cases.
“I advise you to break down the Court of Appeal judgement and explain its jurisprudential impact on the use of the said Act to pursue and contain progressive forces within a suffocated democracy,” he wrote.
He reminded the DCI official of the responsibility attached to public office, emphasizing the need for independence in exercising power.
“As a man entrusted with the Western Region as the Regional County Investigations Officer, I refuse to believe that you are merely a conveyor belt. You hold an office of public trust on behalf of the people of Kenya,” Babu said.
Political Ambitions Amid Tensions
This development comes over two months after Babu called on his constituents to protect him from alleged plots against his political career, following his declaration of interest in ODM party leadership.
Speaking in January, he reiterated his State House ambitions and expressed concern over potential attempts to block his rise.
“We said after Baba is Babu. If Babu can rise politically, then so can you. But if you allow Babu to be harassed and finished, then the same will happen to you,” he stated.
Babu also hinted at his interest in the Nairobi County Governorship, while assuring his supporters of his long-term political vision.
“After the county, God will take us to the State House because you are my family, and wherever you go, I will go. When I become president, and you come to visit, and they deny you entry at the gate, sit there because I will come and get you,” he said.
The situation underscores the growing tension between political leaders and law enforcement agencies amid Kenya’s pre-election period.
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