Embakasi East constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has issued a justification for skipping debate and subsequent voting on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Responding on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, to an X user who had questioned his absence in parliament, the youthful lawmaker stated that the special motion to impeach DP Gachagua was not a serious matter of national importance.

Babu Owino went ahead to claim that he would be present in parliament when serious matters will be tabled for discussion.

According to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker, the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Adani Group, the new university funding model, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the high cost of living and the high unemployment rate in the country are the current serious matters that deserve the attention of parliament.

Babu Owino’s regrets

However, Owino regrets that the stated matters will not be tabled in parliament for discussion.

“This one wasn’t serious. Adani is, New funding model is, SHIF is, High cost of living is, unemployment is. You’ll see me in parliament when these are brought but they will not,” Owino stated.

This one wasn’t serious.Adani is,New funding model is,SHIF is,High cost of living is,unemployment https://t.co/i9RGBSSE00’ll see me in parliament when these are brought but they will not.

— Babu Owino (@HEBabuOwino) October 9, 2024

Babu Owino was among the notable MPs who skipped the Tuesday, October 8, 2024, parliament session that saw DP Gachagua impeached in a historic vote on a motion for his removal.

Gachagua impeached

A total of 281 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted for his removal while 44 backed him and one abstained.

MPs broke into song and dance shortly after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula made the announcement at 9.20 pm.

The 59-year-old politician who rose to a DP after one term as an MP had dramatically fallen out with his boss, President William Ruto.

Gachagua faced 11 counts of impeachment revolving around gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office and corruption.

His efforts to whip up the emotions of his Central Kenya base with claims of persecution seem to have failed him.

The National Assembly had given Gachagua time to defend himself against the accusations, prior to the voting that saw him ousted as DP.

The matter will now move to the Senate which will hear the impeachment case against DP Gachagua and should the National Assembly decision be held, he cease to hold office as the DP.

However, Gachagua will move to court to fight his ouster should the senate uphold his impeachment.