MP Babu Owino claims state withdrew his security after joining June 25 anniversary protests
The legislator claimed that the move was in retaliation for his decision to stand with Kenyans who took to the streets to mark the first anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino claims the government has withdrawn his security following his participation in the June 25 anniversary protests held in Nairobi's Central Business District on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Thursday, the legislator claimed that the move was in retaliation for his decision to stand with Kenyans who took to the streets to mark the first anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
More To Read
- Protests: MSF treats 605 for gunshots, stabbings, rape and other injuries in Nairobi
- Mudavadi defends state’s handling of June 25 protests, slams foreign envoys ‘for overreach’
- Kenya police brutality: It will take more than laws, public anger to change behaviour
- Police seek to detain two men arrested over post calling for State House's occupation
- CJ Koome condemns Kikuyu court arson as terrorism, says attacks undermine rule of law
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen condemns June 25 memorial violence, claims protests targeted to destabilise state
“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 Today, in retaliation, the government has withdrawn my official security,” he said.
According to Babu, the decision by the state to take away his protection is not just personal, but a broader attack on democratic values and the right of leaders to represent the voices of those who elected them.
“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 stated.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino when he joined the June 25 anniversary protests held in Nairobi's Central Business District on June 25, 2025. (Photo: Instagram/Babu Owino)
There is no official statement from the National Police Service on this matter by the time the story was going to press.
The ODM MP was among the politicians who joined citizens in Nairobi to mark the day and express dissatisfaction with how the government has handled various issues over the past year. He said the withdrawal of his security would not silence him or deter his support for public demands.
“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 remarked.
He also urged citizens to remain watchful and united, saying leaders should always answer to the people and not use threats to suppress their voices.
“The truth cannot be suppressed. The justice movement cannot be stopped. We will not back down,” Babu added.
The protest on Wednesday drew both public and political figures, who gathered to remember those who lost their lives during the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024.
Top Stories Today
