Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have condemned Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni for verbally attacking Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 28, Wamuchomba noted that Museveni's remarks were uncalled for, maintaining that she stood with Babu Owino.
"Why would a foreign president use an international presidential platform to castigate a young Kenyan parliamentarian? I saw leaders giggle as if he was making a ‘good’ joke. This was uncalled for. Babu Owino has a future in Kenya not in Uganda. I stand with Babu," Wamuchomba remarked.
On his part, Sifuna stated that there were proper diplomatic channels the Ugandan Head of State could have used if he had any beef with the lawmaker instead of using a presidential platform.
"Whatever beef Museveni has with Babu Owino, I strongly object to the manner of his attack on a young Kenyan leader on our own soil. Kenya is a country ruled by law and if there is any objectionable conduct on the part of Babu, there are diplomatic channels to convey that to Kenyan authorities and let the law take its cause. But to use a presidential podium to make such grave accusations against a Kenyan is a no!" Sifuna remarked.
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During the official launch of Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson bid on Tuesday, Museveni called out Babu Owino over his links to Ugandan politicians who are against the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“There are some individuals in Raila’s group who I don’t think know what they are doing. You know I am a consumer of intelligence service. So, I always see intelligence reports. There is a character called Babu. I always see Babu dealing with anti-NRM groups,” said Museveni.
In a swift response, the Embakasi MP thanked the Ugandan president for supporting the Azimio leader's AUC chairmanship bid.
However, he noted that he stands for a democratic society, adding that leaders should provide visionary leadership that solves the problems facing society.
"As Babu Owino, I stand for a democratic society where a child in Kenya will receive proper medication, education and will equally get a job. Equally, a child in Uganda should receive the same treatment as a child in Kenya. Because of this, we must offer alternative visions of leadership that will save Africans from the shackles of oppression and the jaws of poverty," Babu stated.
