Published on June 14, 2025 by KON KON
Last Updated on 10 months by KON KON
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino faces intense scrutiny after being implicated in orchestrating a fake WhatsApp group chat designed to defame the Nairobi City County Government and Governor Johnson Sakaja.
A viral TikTok video exposed the fabricated chat, revealing evidence that traces the group’s creation directly to Babu. The incident fuels speculation that the legislator is positioning himself to challenge Governor Sakaja in the 2027 elections.
The fraudulent chat falsely accused Governor Sakaja of planning and financing goons who infiltrated peaceful protests in Nairobi’s CBD on Thursday. Thousands of youths had gathered to demand justice for social media influencer Albert Ojwang’, during which county infrastructure was vandalized.
This tactic aligns with Babu’s established pattern of using propaganda to manipulate public sentiment and damage political rivals. Analysts note that planning to vandalize infrastructure Sakaja’s administration spent months building would be politically counterproductive, making the governor’s alleged involvement highly implausible – contrary to Babu’s insinuations.
Critics condemn Babu Owino for repeatedly exploiting tragedy for political gain.
Notably, while Governor Sakaja met with Ojwang’s family, pledging to cover the widow’s college fees, employ her in the county government, and fund their infant child’s education, Babu created the fake chat. Its purpose: to baselessly suggest Sakaja masterminded the chaos to capitalize on Ojwang’s death.
This modus operandi is familiar. As a University of Nairobi student leader, Babu was accused of orchestrating the stabbing of rival Mike Jacobs before blaming opponents. His point-blank shooting of DJ Evolve further tarnished his reputation. Similarly, after the death of former Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve – which government pathologists confirmed involved no foul play – Babu publicly blamed Sakaja at the funeral, yet offered no tangible support to the bereaved family.
