Editor's Review

"The revolution continues; now with a gown and a gavel. So, help me, God."

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has joined the legal fraternity following his admission to the bar as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. 

In a statement on Friday, May 23, the outspoken legislator described the milestone as a defining moment in his life and career.

Reflecting on his early life in Nyalenda, Kisumu, Babu spoke of the injustices he witnessed growing up, also recounting how his mother was often a victim of police abuse.

"Growing up in the slums of Nyalenda, I noticed with deep concern the constant harassment and humiliation of ordinary Kenyans in the brutal hands of law enforcement agencies, most of the time without a clue of what their constitutional rights were.

"My mother got arrested several times and instead of being arraigned in court would be beaten up by police to pay a bribe from her meagre chang’aa sales proceeds. This has pushed me over the years to study and appreciate the laws of Kenya and their role in safeguarding justice, both procedural and substantive," he said.  

File image of Babu Owino

Owino said his entry into the legal profession is not about personal advancement, but about deepening his commitment to social justice.

“This achievement is not about personal grandiosity. It is about sharpening the tools of service. The law is now a new battlefield where I will fight even harder for justice, equity, and the rights of the common mwananchi,” he noted.

Babu cautioned the government, noting that he will be acting on behalf of Kenyans, particularly in challenging policies that affect livelihoods.

"The Government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defense of Kenyans—both in Parliament and now in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable," he added.

In terms of his educational background, Babu studied at the University of Nairobi (UoN) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science, graduating with First Class Honors. 

He later pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which he completed with a Second Class Upper Division. 

Babu went on to attain multiple postgraduate degrees, including a Master’s degree in Architectural Science and a Master’s degree in Law (LLM).

In addition to these degrees, Babu holds six diplomas in various fields and has been awarded an honorary Doctorate in Political Leadership from Weldios University in the Benin Republic.

File image of Babu Owino and his colleagues at the Supreme Court