Babu Owino Addresses Alleged Mismanagement of Ksh77 Million Bursary Funds

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has come out to refute claims of mismanagement of bursary funds amounting to Ksh77 million. 

The controversy stems from a widely circulated fake graphic poster purporting to show that the Auditor General had flagged the Embakasi East CDF bursary program for irregularities including bouncing cheques, missing documentation, and lack of a bursary vetting committee.

However, in a statement on Friday, July 4, the legislator dismissed the poster as fabricated, terming them as politically motivated.

“More fake news from desperate and unworthy opponents. The Auditor General cleared us for having used CDF effectively," he said.

The MP attached the Auditor General’s report that supported Babu's assertion. 

While the report does raise a compliance issue, it does not mention misappropriation or the sensational claims circulating on social media.

According to the report, the concern raised was that the management had not constituted a sub-committee required under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) Regulations.

"Management did not constitute the sub-committee known as the Education Bursary, Mock Examinations and Continuous Assessment Tests Committee in contravention of Regulation 21(3)," the report read in part.

Despite this, the report does not accuse the Embakasi East CDF office of financial misconduct or failure to disburse the funds to intended beneficiaries. 

"I confirm that nothing else has come to my attention to cause me to believe that public resources have not been applied lawfully and in an effective way," the report further reads. 

This comes barely a week after Babu claimed that his security detail has been withdrawn by the State.

In a statement on Thursday, June 26, Babu alleged that his security was withdrawn following his decision to join Kenyans protesting in Nairobi CBD on Wednesday, June 25.

“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 Today, in retaliation, the government has withdrawn my official security,” he claimed.

The ODM lawmaker said the withdrawal of his security is an attack on democracy and a sign of a government that fears accountability.

“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,” Babu stated.

The Embakasi East MP went on to say he won’t be intimidated by the state and will remain demanding justice for Kenyans.

“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.