Babu Owino Supports Gachagua’s Call for IG Kanja to Resign in New Twist
Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, on Wednesday publicly backed calls led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, citing what he called the police chief’s repeated failure to protect Kenyan citizens.
Speaking during a press conference, the outspoken lawmaker described Kanja’s time as the country’s top police officer as “untenable” and accused him of holding office unlawfully.
“Kanja should step down. His work here is done. He is in office unlawfully and should leave immediately. I fully support these demonstrations by the opposition,” Babu Owino stated.
The controversy comes after Gachagua and a group of opposition leaders carried out their threats on Monday by storming the IG’s Jogoo House offices in search of a meeting with Kanja. Unlike their first visit a week earlier, they did not find the police chief in his office.
This absence prompted the leaders to escalate their demands for accountability by organizing a public rally in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The rally was disrupted by teargas and chaotic scenes, but the opposition vowed to intensify their efforts, announcing plans for nationwide protests on Friday, February 20. These protests are aimed at pressuring IG Kanja to resign.
On Wednesday, Babu Owino defended the opposition’s actions, insisting that public demonstrations are an important tool to compel the government to act in the interest of Kenyans. He argued that protests have historically played a key role in pushing for democratic reforms in the country.
“We know very well that demonstrations were crucial in bringing about multi-party democracy in Kenya. Even the President, at one point, participated in public demonstrations,” Babu Owino added.
The legislator, who is aligned with a breakaway faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), also criticized Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over his recent cooperation agreement with the national government.
Sakaja had earlier refuted claims that county functions were being handed over to President William Ruto’s administration, calling such reports “fake news” and assuring that the county still maintained full constitutional authority.
However, Babu Owino dismissed the governor’s position, arguing that the agreement effectively diminished Sakaja’s role. “The national government is coming in under the guise of delivering Nairobians from incompetence.
The governor has essentially reduced himself to working under the national government. He has handed over all his responsibilities, and we condemn this action because I know nothing new will be achieved through this,” he said.
Babu Owino’s remarks have added a new layer of tension to ongoing debates about police accountability and the balance of power between county and national governments, signaling that opposition voices are likely to intensify their efforts in the coming days.
Join Tutam Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
