I can join your Cabinet if you make education free at all levels, Babu Owino tells President Ruto
He explained that despite any ideological differences with Governor Johnson Sakaja, his main concern is ensuring that Nairobi residents get the services they deserve.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino now says that he would be open to joining President William Ruto's Cabinet, but only if the President publicly commits to making education free from primary through tertiary levels.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday evening, Owino explained that this should apply across all education levels, including primary, secondary, and university.
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"The only condition [for which] I can take a CS Education position in Ruto's government is if he agrees to make education free. Why? Because President Ruto is a product of free education... From primary to secondary and university," he said
He recalled that when Ruto was a student at the University of Nairobi in the 1980s, the government provided grants to students, which enabled him to pursue his studies.
The ODM legislator said if President Ruto fulfils his promises and performs as expected, he would have no problem supporting his administration.
However, the MP made it clear that if the President fails to deliver, it is his responsibility as a member of Parliament to hold him accountable.
"If Ruto works today, I have no problem supporting him, if he doesn't work, it is my role as a member of the National Assembly to keep him in check, to ensure that he delivers," Babu noted.
In the same interview, Owino addressed his performance as a Member of Parliament. He was recently ranked the best MP in Kenya by an Infotrak poll, with a score of 72 per cent.
Improve performance score
He expressed his desire to improve on that score, saying it shows that he still has work to do. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro came second in the poll with a score of 71 per cent.
The Embakasi East MP also revealed his plans for the future, specifically his ambition to run for Nairobi governor in the 2027 elections.
He explained that despite any ideological differences with Governor Johnson Sakaja, his main concern is ensuring that Nairobi residents get the services they deserve.
"We might differ ideologically but [there is] nothing personal and we differ because I am also a resident of Nairobi who expects services, who pays taxes in Nairobi and should be served by the governor like any other Nairobian," he said.
He also shared his thoughts on the recent move by former prime minister Raila Odinga to publicly support Governor Sakaja.
Endorsement of Sakaja
The support, expressed during a prayer meeting for Odinga's African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson bid at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, was seen as an endorsement of Sakaja ahead of the 2027 elections.
This announcement raised eyebrows, as Sakaja is a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), while Odinga is a leader of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Some saw this move as a slight to Babu Owino, who belongs to ODM and who has expressed interest in running for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the next general election.
However, Owino stated that there was "nothing wrong" with Odinga's endorsement of Sakaja's re-election bid.
He insisted that his differences with Sakaja were purely ideological, not personal. He also said he has no issue with anyone choosing to support Sakaja.
"If Baba (Odinga) endorsed Sakaja, then there's nothing wrong with that. Babu Owino has been endorsed by the Almighty God and Kenyans, and you can see by the results; (I'm) ranked at the top, "the MP said.
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