Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, broke his silence on Wednesday regarding his conspicuous absence from the impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The outspoken legislator’s no-show raised eyebrows among Kenyans, prompting him to explain his reasons for skipping what many considered a critical moment in Kenya’s political scene.
@tujuemedia Babu Owino explains why he remained silent on DP Gachagua Impeachment #babuowino #rigathigachagua ♬ Never Dis The Man – Sanchez
“A Waste of Time”: Owino’s Critique of the Impeachment Process
Despite the overwhelming support for the motion, with 281 lawmakers voting in favor of Gachagua’s impeachment, Owino remained steadfast in his belief that the entire exercise was futile. He asserted that there were far more pressing matters demanding the attention of Kenya’s elected officials.
“How can I waste my precious whole day discussing Rigathi yet we have serious issues like Adani, new university funding model, Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), high cost of living, high taxation, unemployment among others,” Owino stated emphatically.
Prioritizing National Concerns: Owino’s Alternative Focus
The MP highlighted several critical issues he believed should take precedence over the impeachment proceedings:
1. The proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Adani Holdings Group
2. The escalating cost of living affecting ordinary Kenyans
3. Controversial changes to education funding models
4. The dire unemployment situation facing Kenya’s youth
Owino stressed the importance of addressing these challenges, suggesting that they have a more direct impact on the lives of Kenyan citizens than the political maneuvering surrounding the Deputy President.
Commitment to Substantive Debate
The legislator made it clear that his absence was not a one-off occurrence, but rather a principled stance against what he perceives as trivial political theatrics. Owino vowed to maintain his position, stating,
“You’ll see me in parliament when these issues are presented but they will not bring them. I was highly engaged with other important and urgent matters affecting my constituents.”
Owino didn’t shy away from challenging his colleagues, urging them to channel the same energy and urgency demonstrated during the impeachment process towards addressing the myriad challenges facing ordinary Kenyans. He pointedly remarked,
“The speed with which Rigathi was impeached should be the same speed used to solve Kenyans challenges.”
Notable Absentees and the Impeachment Outcome
While Owino’s absence garnered significant attention, he wasn’t alone in skipping the crucial vote. Other notable absentees included Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, whose silence on the matter left many Kenyans perplexed.
The final tally of the impeachment vote revealed the extent of support for the motion:
281 members voted in favor of impeachment
44 members supported Gachagua
1 member abstained
