Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino now says he had booked the Jacaranda grounds for his function before Deputy President William Ruto.

This comes in response to claims by leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition alleging that there was a plot by the state to block the coalition from holding a rally at the venue.

“I had booked Jacaranda grounds for my function today and notified the police while Ruto booked the same venue on the same day but in 2021 as per their notification letter,” he stated.

I had booked Jacaranda Grounds for my function today and notified the police while Ruto booked the same venue on the same day but in 2021 as per their notification letter.I have full rights to use this ground today but let my People stay at home coz we love peace. pic.twitter.com/BulesVp24y

— Babu Owino (@HEBabuOwino) June 19, 2022

The legislator, however, urged his supporters to stay home in order to avoid conflict with their rivals following the unexpected turn of events.

“I have full rights to use this ground today but let my people stay at home coz we love peace,” he wrote.

Before his response, politicians led by the embattled gubernatorial aspirant, Johnson Sakaja had on Sunday morning stated that there were plans to ensure that the mega rally does not happen.

They protested the move vowing to attend the rally at the venue.

“Kenya Kwanza booked and paid for the Jacaranda grounds for our rally this afternoon. We won’t buckle at the intimidation of the State. We have a right to assemble. Our resolve for Nairobi and Kenya is clear and unstoppable,” Sakaja stated.

Prior to this, Ruto through his official Twitter account informed his supporters to avail themselves at the venue for the rally.

“The Kenya Kwanza fraternity and the entire hustler nation wish a blessed Sunday to all na tukutane Jacaranda after church(let’s all meet at Jacaranda after Church),” Ruto wrote.

A receipt seen by People Daily Digital indicated that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party had paid Ksh30,000 to use the grounds to conduct their rally on Sunday.