Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has responded to critics after referring to Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as “fadhe”, meaning a father figure, during a live radio interview on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The remark sparked debate on social media, with some of the lawmaker’s critics claiming that he had slowly shifted his allegiance to the former deputy president.

Gachagua called into a programme where Babu Owino was being interviewed live on Kameme FM, with the radio host handing over her phone to the lawmaker to have a conversation with Gachagua.

During the exchange, Owino referred to the former DP as “fadhe”, a term commonly used to show respect to an elder or a father figure, after Gchagua addressed him as “my son”.

The remark quickly drew mixed reactions online, with some supporters praising the gesture while others questioned the political implications.

Babu Owino’s response

Responding to the criticism, Owino, in a post shared via his official social media accounts on Saturday, March 14, 2026, defended his choice of words, saying the term was used out of respect for elders and should not be misinterpreted.

“Respect is a value that should never fade in our society. When I meet someone whose children are my agemates, I naturally choose to address them with the same respect I would give to a parent. Age comes with wisdom, experience, and lessons that guide the younger generation,” Babu Owino stated.

He added that addressing older individuals as “Mum”, “Dad”, “Uncle”, or “Auntie” reflects cultural values that emphasise respect and community cohesion.

“Calling such people ‘Mum,’ ‘Dad,’ ‘Uncle,’ or ‘Auntie’ is not just a cultural habit; it is a way of honoring the journey they have walked before us. Respecting elders strengthens our communities, preserves our values, and reminds us that one day we too will hope to be treated with the same dignity,” he said.

Babu Owino maintained that his comments were purely about respect and cultural norms rather than politics.

Babu Owino’s Kameme interview

During the morning show on Kameme FM, Babu Owino also paid school fees for several students whose parents called in to share their plight.

He reaffirmed that education remains his top priority, highlighting its transformative power in personal and national development.

During the interview, the legislator drew from his own life story to explain why he places education above all else.

“Mimi mambo na education napatia priority number 1, umbali nimefika ni kwa sababu ya elimu na kama si elimu mimi singekuja Nairobi, Mimi nilikuja Nairobi 2007, kama haingekua elimu pia singekuja UON wala singekua student leader, na singeenda parliament,” Babu Owino said.

He credited his journey from arriving in Nairobi in 2007 to attending the University of Nairobi, becoming a student leader, and eventually entering Parliament to opportunities unlocked through education.

Wamuchomba endorses Babu Owino

The Kameme interview has, however, earned Babu Owino praises from a section of leaders, with Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba declaring her support for him in the race for the Nairobi County gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

Taking to her official Facebook page on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Wamuchomba congratulated Babu Owino following his recent address to the Kikuyu community during his interview with Kameme FM, describing his message to Nairobi voters as persuasive and sincere.

She further affirmed that Owino’s ambition to lead the capital city is legitimate and should be judged on merit rather than ethnic considerations.

“Your dream is Valid. Indeed, Nairobi County will NOT be reprimanded on who to vote for,” she added.

Wamuchomba also declared that if she were a voter in Nairobi, she would cast her ballot for the Embakasi East legislator.