Babu Owino accuses authorities of deflecting responsibility over tear gas
By Faith Lagat, February 24, 2026Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has sharply accused Kenyan authorities of deflecting responsibility for the misuse of tear gas in recent political incidents, insisting that the government alone controls access to such equipment and cannot credibly shift blame to civilians or opposition figures.
In a fiery interview on a local TV station on February 23, 2026, Owino dismissed claims that civilians independently possess tear gas canisters, emphasising the state’s monopoly over the substance.
“The government has serious machinery. The government has serious investigators. The government has an opportunity to get to know where these tear gas are kept,” he stated.
He emphasised that tear gas is imported and kept under the custody of the government and police, with no civilian access.
“There is no shop in Kenya that sells tear gas. Tear gas is imported by the government and is in custody of the government, the police. So therefore, any person in possession of a tear gas, it’s either a police officer or a person who’s been given this tear gas by a police officer. So they’re simply trying to deflect blame. These people are just shifting blame.”
Opposition rallies disrupted amid tensions
Owino’s remarks came amid heightened political tensions, including disruptions at opposition rallies where tear gas has been deployed, often without official police acknowledgment.
He referenced messages implicating high-ranking officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Interior, in orchestrating violence, citing recent chaos at Kisumu International Airport.
The MP also touched on the arrest of his security officers, hinting at political intolerance, and promised to present more details, including messages from hired individuals, in future discussions.
He warned that accountability should rest with those organising and directing violence, rather than ordinary citizens.
Government denies civilian involvement
The accusations directly challenge statements from Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
On February 19, 2026, Murkomen announced that the government is actively pursuing individuals linked to illegal possession of tear gas canisters and ammunition.
“The Inspector General of Police is investigating whether some civilians are in possession of teargas canisters or whether there are police officers colluding with civilians to unlawfully supply them with the equipment,” Murkomen said.
He noted that culprits would face the full force of the law and drew parallels with firearms access, expressing concern over tear gas ending up in the wrong hands during political rallies where police presence was absent.
These developments follow a pattern of disruptions at rallies in Kitengela, Kakamega, and other areas involving opposition figures, highlighting deepening divisions in Kenya’s political landscape and calls for impartial investigations into the conduct of security forces ahead of future elections.